HC Deb 11 November 1982 vol 31 c238W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish an index of farm incomes from 1970 to the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will show the effect of grants, compensation and support payments.

Mr. Peter Walker

The following is an index at current prices of farming income as defined in table 21 of the White Paper "Annual Review of Agriculture 1982" (Cmnd. 8491).

Year Index (1970=100)
1970 100
1971 111
1972 118
1973 164
1974 138
1975 173
1976 223
1977 219
1978 215
1979 204
1980 184
1981
(forecast) 210

It is not, however, possible to isolate the effect of grants, compensation payments and market support payments on these figures.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the farm management survey has demonstrated an increase in full-time farm incomes from 1970 to the most recent year for which figures are available over and above the increase recorded in the retail price index; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

Data are not available on which to base a comparison with 1970–71. Between 1971–72 and 1980–81 the farm management surveys record that on average the increase in net farm income per full-time farm in the United Kingdom did not exceed the increase recorded in the retail price index.