HC Deb 19 January 1978 vol 942 cc332-3W
19. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the increase in agricultural output per man employed in agriculture over the past 20 years.

Mr. Bishop

Over the 20 years 1955–56 to 1975–76 (June-May years) gross agricultural product, at constant 1968–69–1971–72 prices, per person engaged in United Kingdom agriculture rose by 196 per cent., an average annual rate of growth of 5.7 per cent.

48. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further plans he has to encourage farmers to grow food from the country's own resources.

Mr. Strang

The 1975 White Paper "Food from Our Own Resources" examined the prospects and policies for food production from our own resources of land and labour over the period to 1980. As my right hon. Friend the Minister announced in the House on 28th June 1977—[Vol. 934, c. 184]—the White Paper is now being reviewed in the light of the changed circumstances since 1975; and views are currently being received from a number of interested bodies. It is still too early to say what may emerge from the review.