§ 43. Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average net farm income on farms of 100 and 200 acres, respectively, 60W in the years 1958 and 1959, indicating the percentage increase or decrease shown by these figures.
§ Mr. SoamesMy information on farm incomes in England and Wales is obtained from a sample survey conducted by agricultural economists at the Universities. The results of that survey indicate that the average net farm income on farms of between 50 and 150 acres declined by 12½ per cent. from £1,033 in 1958 to £902 in 1959. For farms between 150 and 300 acres the figures were £1,683 and £1,389, a reduction of 17½ per cent. These farm size groups are those most closely corresponding to the sizes referred to by the hon. Member.