§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has for the number of bankruptcies in the agricultural sector in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerFigures for bankruptcies in England and Wales for the agricultural and horticultural sectors over the last five years are as follows:
Number of bankruptcies Percentage of total bankruptcies 1985 136 2.1 1986 130 1.9 1987 172 2.4 1988 162 2.1 1989 142 1.7 Note: These and related figures were set out in the 9 November issue of "Business Briefing" published by the Association of Brii.ish Chambers of Commerce. The balance sheet for British agriculture remains strong with the value of assets being six times liabilities.