§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average income of hill sheep farmers in Wales in each of the past five years; and what are the projected levels for the present and the coming financial years, taking into account any changes to the grant system.
§ Mr. David HuntAverage incomes of hill and upland sheep farms for each of the years 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90 are as follows:
£ 1987–88 9,380 1988–89 15,283 1989–90 9,468 Figures for 1990–91 and 1991–92 together with income forecast for 1992–93 are at table 14 of the statistical tables prepared in connection with the 1992 autumn review of hill 198W livestock compensatory allowances. A copy is available m the Library of the House. Forecasts are not yet available for the coming financial year but it is presently estimated that the net effect of the increase in sheep annual premium payments, including the less-favoured area supplement, as the result of green pound devaluations, together with HLCA payment reductions will represent an enhancement of about £10.0 million in total Welsh LFA sheep producer incomes.