HC Deb 11 May 1989 vol 152 c500W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proportion of the United Kingdom arable area was subject in 1988 to aerial photography of sufficient quality to allow identification of the cropping pattern; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he has plans for aerial photography of arable land in the United Kingdom in 1989; and what he estimates the cost will be.

Mr. Ryder

Excluding satellite imagery, approximately 1 million hectares of land, mainly in Great Britain, was covered by ADAS aerial photography in 1988. Some 20 per cent. of this area was arable land. This photography was of sufficient quality to allow identification of cropping patterns. Present plans provide for a similar area to be photographed in 1989, both for statutory and advisory purposes. Total budgeted running costs for the ADAS aerial photography unit in 1989–90 are estimated at £250,000.