§ Mr. Majorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres in the United Kigdom were drilled 395W for sugar beet production in 1979; and whether he considers demand will justify continued production at this level in future years.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe area sown to sugar beet at 1 June 1979 was about 214,000 hectares—529,000 acres. The area sown is only one of a number of factors which determine the supply of sugar, but I see no evidence to suggest that the United Kingdom is approaching a structural surplus. However, there is a surplus in the Community as a whole and I hope the Commission's proposals for the sugar regime from 1980 onwards will lead to its reduction.
Current prices £ per cow Years ending October 1975 1976 1977 1978 Hill herds … … 81.3 116.9 118.8 118.7 Lowland herds … … 84.7 103.7 110.6 118.9 Index in real terms 1975=100† Yearis endng October 1975 1976 1977 1978 Hill herds … … 100 122 106 98 Lowland herds … … 100 104 95 94 * Gross margins are defined as output minus variable costs. Output per cow is measured by calf disposals during the accounting year plus market value of calves on the farm at the end of that year. Variable costs include forage costs. † Obtained by adjusting the current price series by changes in the general Index of Retail Prices (RPI).