HC Deb 15 July 1963 vol 681 c4W
51. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the percentage increase in average net farm income per head over the last 10 years.

Mr. Soames

As precise figures of numbers of farmers are not available, it is not possible to estimate the increase in average net farm income per head. Aggregate farming net income in the United Kingdom is estimated to have increased by 17 per cent. between the crop years 1952–3 and 1962–3. During this period there has almost certainly been some reduction in the number of farmers.