§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contribution 293W farming made to English GDP in each of the years 1998 to 2001, after the deduction of all (a) subsidies and (b) foot and mouth costs. [26027]
§ Mr. MorleyThe table shows the contribution after removing all subsidies that the agricultural industry made to English GDP in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Statistics on agriculture's contribution in 2001 will not be published until 31 January 2002. The Government are spending an additional £2.7 billion to tackle foot and mouth disease and its implications for the rural economy.
Agriculture's contribution to English GDP after removing subsidies1 Contribution (£ billion) Contribution as a percentage 1998 3.6 0.56 1999 3.4 0.51 2000 2.9 0.41 1 Subsidies paid directly to farmers and the cost to the exchequer of indirect support of market prices.