§ Lord Hoyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement on farm incomes. [HL551]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)Revised estimates of farm income during 2000 were published this morning. These confirm the significant reduction forecast last November, and indicate a fall of 25 per cent.
This fall is largely due to pressure on prices for agricultural outputs caused by a further rise in sterling against the euro, as compared to 1999.
The Government remain committed to providing a framework within which the industry may react to the challenges presented by the current situation.
Detailed estimates of the income, output and productivity of agriculture in the United Kingdom in 2000 have been placed in the Library of the House.