§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of people employed in agriculture are under 30 years of age; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe results of the 1990 EC structure survey show that in England about 20 per cent. of people employed in agriculture are under 30 years of age. This includes farmers, working spouses and regularly employed workers. The survey is based on a sample covering approximately one quarter of all main holdings in England and is therefore subject to sampling error.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans there are to increase the number of young people entering farming; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe numbers of those becoming working farmers is entirely a matter for individual choice in response to personal circumstances and market forces.