§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest assessment of the prospects for farm incomes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply 22 October 1987, c.886]: A White Paper setting out the conclusions of the 1988 annual review of agriculture is being laid before Parliament today. The White Paper shows that gross output at current prices is expected to be much the same in 1987 as in 1986, partly reflecting the poor weather. Total inputs and the gross product of the industry are also very similar to the previous year. Aggregate farming income is estimated to have fallen by around 11/2 per cent. to £1.404 million in 1987. There were marked variations over the United Kingdom as a whole with farming income forecast to have improved in 1987 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The White Paper includes fuller information than in previous years on the general financial position of the industry, distinguishing between type, size and tenure of farm businesses.