Agricultural Incomes

HC Deb 31 January 1996 vol 270 c773W

Sir John Cope

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on agricultural and farm incomes. [13226]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Total income from farming is estimated to have risen by 22 per cent. in real terms in 1995 compared with 1994. This increase is partly due to agrimonetary developments and to unusual weather conditions which, on balance, had a favourable effect on agricultural incomes. However, the Government's success in creating the right conditions for growth also played an important part. Detailed estimates of the income, output and productivity of United Kingdom agriculture in 1995 were published this morning and have been placed in the Library of the House.