§ 1. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the progress being made with measures to reverse the decline in Welsh farmers' net incomes has taken place over the past four years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Wyn Roberts)Net farm incomes in Wales fell in only one of the last four years for which figures are available. I am satisfied that adequate measures are being taken by the Government to safeguard the interests of industry
§ Mr. HoosonHas my hon. Friend been able to make an estimate of the likely effect of the CAP negotiations on the state of Welsh agriculture?
§ Mr. RobertsI think that it is too early to speculate on the final consequences of the settlement, since the negotiations are continuing, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is striving for a settlement that will provide a fair balance between the needs of producers, consumers and taxpayers and also contribute to the building of a common agricultural policy that reflects the many competing needs of the Community.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasIs the Minister seriously telling the House that the hill farmers in the less favoured areas, whose incomes fell by 58 per cent. last year, are being adequately supported?
§ Mr. RobertsYes, because we have improved the hill farming compensatory allowances
§ Sir Raymond GowerTo what extent are farmers in Wales prejudiced or in a worse position than farmers in other parts of the EEC?
§ Mr. RobertsThat is a very difficult question to answer. I do not think that our farmers are particularly badly placed. My right hon. Friend is determined in the current negotiations to see that British agriculture is protected and that it continues to prosper.
§ Dr. Roger ThomasIn the light of his answer, will the Minister explain why the incomes of farmers in Wales and Scotland are suffering particularly badly compared with the incomes of livestock farmers in the Republic of Ireland? Secondly, why is the Republic of Ireland continually being given preferential treatment for land drainage and general land improvement?
§ Mr. RobertsCertain national forms of support are available for agriculture. We must await the outcome of the current negotiations and see what additional support farmers in Wales require.