§ 34. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he proposes to bring marginal land into increased production.
§ 55. Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase the productive output from marginal land in England 699W and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigginAdvice and capital grants are already available to help farmers on marginal land increase their productivity. We cannot consider further assistance until the survey of these areas is completed. In this connection, I refer my hon. Friends the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton (Mr. Watson) earlier today.
§ 57. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with farmers in marginal lands about the obstacles to the expansion of agriculture in these areas; and whether he is now satisfied that best use is being made of the opportunities within the EEC marginal lands directive.
§ Mr. WigginWe have had several discussions about marginal land with farmers' representatives. We are carrying out a survey to establish whether additional land could qualify under the Less Favoured Areas Directive (75/268/
Year Total sales of milk through the Milk Marketing Schemes Sales of milk for liquid consumption (million litres) (million litres) 1970 12,029 7,460 1971 12,363 7,372 1972 13,212 7,404 1973 13,468 7,524 1974 13,098 7,698 1975 13,133 7,862 1976 13,618 7,760 1977 14,406 7,484 1978 15,094 7,381 1979 15,117 7,310