§ Mr. CashTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total level of support provided to the British agricultural industry(a) in 1979 and (b) in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe public expenditure on agriculture grants and subsidies in 1979–80 was £677 million. The "Annual Review of Agriculture" just published gives the figure for 1986–87 as £1,444 million. The Government also736W support the industry in a number of other ways, such as research and development, advisory, veterinary and administrative services.