§ 54. Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the condition of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland,
§ Mr. Adam ButlerAlthough the average size of farm business is less than half that in Great Britain, the Northern Ireland agriculture industry is technically strong and efficient. Using 8.9 per cent. of the total United Kingdom farm work force and 5.8 per cent. of United Kingdom farm land, it produces 6.4 per cent. of United Kingdom gross agricultural output. With the current high level of unemployment in Northern Ireland, there is inevitably some under-employment on farms. However, during 1979 and 1980 farm incomes have fallen in money terms by about 85 per cent. and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently exploring possible ways and means of helping the industry during 1981.