HC Deb 21 January 1988 vol 125 cc835-6W
Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dairy farmers there are in England, Scotland and Wales; what were the corresponding figures in each of the three countries in 1980 and 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The numbers of registered milk producers are as follows:—

Year England Wales Scotland
1980 35,494 7,864 3,330
1985 30,825 6,990 2,942
1987 29,428 6,720 2,842
In 1970, the comparable figures were:—
64,246 16,019 5,383

Figures relate to March of each year.

Source: Milk Marketing Boards.