§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the increase in farm income recorded in the latest annual review has been financed; and who ultimately pays for this.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerFanning income is an aggregate calculation of the difference between the value obtained by farmers for their output and the cost to farmers of their inputs. The "Annual Review of Agriculture 1983" White Paper (Cmnd. 8804) records that gross output, including premium payments and production grants, increased by £1,353 million—14 per cent.—due to increases in the volume of production and increases in the prices farmers obtained for their output. After deducting farmers' costs, the net farm income of farmers and their spouses rose £574 million—45 per cent. The excellent production conditions in 1982 were a major contributing factor to the income rise: had output not expanded, thereby raising the level of self-sufficiency, the rise in incomes might not have materialised. Consumers have benefited in that the increase in food prices during the past 12 months is lower than at any time for 15 years.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish a table in the Official Report showing how the increase in farm incomes recorded in the latest annual review was divided up between the various sections of the industry, and in particular cereals and arable crops generally.
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§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs I have previously explained to the hon. Member, the output, input and income tables of successive annual review of agriculture White Papers do not apportion farming income between individual sectors. It is, therefore, not possible to provide the table requested. Information on the average net income of different types of farm is, however, given in paragraphs 13 to 16 and in table 25 of the "Annual Review of Agriculture 1983" White Paper (Cmnd. 8804).