§ Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres of farmland have been taken out of production for development of all kinds in each of the past 10 years for which figures are available; and how many he estimated will be taken in the next 10, 20 and 30 years, respectively.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe losses of agricultural land in England and Wales to development of all kinds, including afforestation, over the past 10 years were approximately as follows:
Acres 1960–61 99,300 1961–62 29,600 1962–63 38,700 1963–64 53,900 1964–65 49,200 1965–66 65,700 1966–67 38,100 1967–68 58,700 1968–69 66,700 1969–70 70,600 I regret that I am unable to give any forecasts for the next 10, 20 and 30 years.