HC Deb 02 May 1989 vol 152 cc85-6W
Mr. Ralph Howell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, following his visit to the United States of America, he is now able to assess whether the world is faced with a problem of food surpluses or food shortages.

Mr. Ryder

My recent discussions in the United States confirmed my view that, with the underlying trends in output and consumption, the risk of widespread structural surpluses remains and that we should continue to pursue

England and Wales
Labour on agricultural holdings classified as predominantly pig holdings
Number of holdings Proportion of national pig herd Farmers, Partners and Directors and spouses Whole time workers including salaried managers Part time including seasonal and casual workers
1980 8,339 73.9 12,859 9,356 4,715
1985 6,063 72.8 9,390 7,674 3,389
1986 5,971 73.6 9,268 7,695 3,230
1987 5,555 73.4 8,729 7,310 3,108
1988 5,301 74.4 8,340 6,653 2,830

the objective of the Uruguay round to reform agricultural policies and expose agriculture more fully to market forces.