HC Deb 12 July 1976 vol 915 c89W
Sir David Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres of farm land in England and Wales have been taken out of production for development of all kinds in each of the past 10 years for which figures are available.

Mr. Strang

The following are estimates of land transferred out of agricultural use in England and Wales, excluding land for afforestation, over the 10 years to 1974. The estimates are based upon the agricultural census which is concerned only with holdings having significant output.

5-year period Net Annual Transfers (Acres)
1964–65 to 1968–69 -42,000
1965–66 to 1969–70 -46,300
1966–67 to 1970–71 -49,800
1967–68 to 1971–72 -62,100
1968–69 to 1972–73 -66,800
1969–70 to 1973–74* -66,100
* The most recent five-year period available.

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