§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a table showing(a) the amount borrowed and (b) the consequent liability for interest of the agricultural industry in each year since 1978.
§ Mr. CurryThe figures are as follows:
Total liabilities1 Interest paid net of interest received2 in £ million at year end in £ million 1978 3,400 184 1979 4,150 318 1980 4,650 464 1981 5,400 468 1982 6,300 501 1983 7,300 494 1984 7,650 569 1985 8,250 704 1986 8,350 700 1987 8,550 637 1988 9,250 690 1989 not yet available 949 (forecast) 1 Total liabilities include trade credit, most of which will not incur interest. 2 Interest paid excludes interest paid on loans taken out for land purchase.