§ Mr. Speedasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received regarding the development of agricultural land at Singleton, near Ashford; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend the Minister has received two copies of a circular letter expressing opposition to the development of land at Singleton which was approved by the then Secretary of State for the Environment in 1974 following a public local inquiry. As the replies
£million 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 Home production of food 1,612 1,693 1,789 1,901 2,060 2,420 2,992 3,327 3,931 Increase in production over previous year — 81 96 112 159 360 572 335 604 Total expenditure on food 6,418 6,692 7,088 7,703 8,318 9,101 10,486 12,480 15,011 Increase in expenditure over previous year — 274 396 615 615 783 1,385 1,994 2,531 Percentage of increase returned to producer* — 29.6℅ 24.2℅ 18.2℅ 25.9℅ 46.0℅ 41.3℅ 16.8℅ 23.9℅ *Varies markedly from year to year for a number of reasons: e.g. variations in output due to weather, changes in prices of imports, and the rate of increase of domestic costs, including those of manufacturing and distribution.