§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reduction there has been in the number of farm businesses in Scotland since the United Kingdom joined the EEC.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownBetween June 1973 and June 1978 the number of holding of significant size recorded in the Scottish agricultural census fell by 650 or 2 per cent. This net figure is the result of statistical adjustments, as well as real 303W factors such as the amalgamation or splitting up of holdings and the transfer of land to other uses. It represents a continuation of a long-established trend, but at a slower rate than formerly.