Farming (Hansard, 19 December 1988)

§ Mr. Andrew Welsh
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from farmers concerning their financial position following three poor harvests and higher interest rate charges; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
My right hon. and learned Friend keeps in close touch with the leaders of the industry and is therefore well aware of farmers' views on these matters. The financial position of agriculture which is affected by a wide range of factors is kept under regular review and is taken into account in the formulation of policy.

§ Mr. Andrew Welsh
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he intends to take in rural areas to enable farm workers to find alternative sources of income; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
We have been instrumental in introducing a range of schemes—including the set-aside scheme for arable land, the farm woodland scheme and the farm diversification grant scheme—to assist those engaged in farming to adjust to the reform of the common agricultural policy.
We also already provide substantial assistance through various programmes and agencies—such as the SDA and HIDB—aimed at improving employment opportunities in rural areas.

§ Mr. Andrew Welsh
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the profit figures for arable farms in a representative sample from European countries on the80W following basis (a) up to 80 acres, (b) 80 to 120 acres, (c) 120 to 200 acres, (d) 200 to 270 acres, (e) 270 to 300 acres and (f) over 300 acres.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
This information is not available centrally.

§ Mr. Andrew Welsh
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the level of real interest rates being paid on farm borrowings todate in(a) Scotland, (b) Holland, (c) France, (d) Germany, (e) Spain and (f) Italy.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The information is contained in table 3.3.10 on page T/80 of the 1987 report on the agricultural situation in the Community published by the Commission of the European Communities: a copy is in the Library.