§ Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about the extent of purchases of agricultural land in the United Kingdom by foreign nationals and companies.
§ Mr. BishopThis is one of the matters currently under consideration by the Committee of Inquiry into the Acquisition and Occupancy of Agricultural Land. I understand that the committee has collected some information about the extent760W of such purchases. It is expected to conclude its work at the beginning of the New Year and my right hon. Friend looks forward to receiving its report.
§ Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total amount of agricultural subsidy and other forms of financial support budgeted in the current financial year; and what proportion he expects to come into the possession of foreign nationals and companies owning land in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BishopThe total amount of agricultural subsidy and other forms of financial support for agriculture included in my Department's Estimates for 1978–79 is £143.6 million. Payments are made without regard to nationality and it is not therefore possible to say what proportion may come into the possession of foreign nationals and companies owning land in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which countries in the EEC allow nationals of other EEC countries to buy agricultural land.
§ Mr. BishopUnder the provisions of the Treaty of Rome, it is open to nationals of all EEC member States to buy agricultural land in other EEC countries.