§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the movement in the value of agricultural net income and outputs during 1975–76 and the anticipated movements over the next five years.
§ Mr. DunnThe estimated value of agricultural gross output in Northern Ireland in 1975–76 was £294 million, not including £16 million in production grants. This was £50 million higher than in 1974–75. After allowing for increases in the value of stocks, the net income of farming in Northern Ireland is estimated to have risen by £5.3 million over that of 1974–75 to just over £71 million in 1975–76. In 1976–77 the value of gross output is forecast to show a further substantial rise to almost £370 million. Net income in 1976–77 is also expected to have risen appreciably above 1975–76, although final estimates are not yet available. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the agricultural industry, arising from the effects of weather, market conditions, external trade factors, and the level of agricultural prices beyond the end of 1977 it would be unrealistic to attempt to forecast agricultural output and incomes beyond the 1976–77 forecast year.