§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the variation of the acreage listed under the heading of roads, yards and buildings in the June censuses for the years 1982 to 1992; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe area of roads, yards and buildings is included in the category "other land" in the agricultural census. The figures in hectares for this category of land on main holdings are as follows:1024W
Hectares 1982 45,212 1983 45,108 1984 35,795 1985 37,025 1986 38,358 1987 38,193 1988 40,035 1989 44,314 1990 52,239 1991 47,470 1992 46,002
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total land area in Scotland as shown in the June census figures(a) in 1986 and (b) in 1987; and what was the reason for the difference.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe total agricultural area on main holdings in 1986 and 1987, including common grazings, was 5,967,552 hectares and 5,954,416 hectares respectively. These figures are consistent with the main holdings definition introduced in 1991. Explanations for differences in areas from year to year are not collected in census returns. However, the bulk of the change in total agricultural area reflects a change in the area of rough grazings.