§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list the total number of(a) farmers and (b) farm workers in England in each year since 1980.
§ Mr. JackThe information requested is given in the table. The figures are from the June agricultural census for each year and incltide estimates for minor holdings not covered by the census.
663W
Number of farmers and farm workers on agricultural holdings as at June each year (thousands) Farmers1partners and directors Spouses2 All other farm workers3 1980 196.4 50.2 277.2 1981 193.9 50.4 269.7 1982 192.1 50.1 267.9 1983 189.8 50.7 264.7
Farmers1 partners and directors Spouses2 All other farm workers3 1984 190.1 50.5 257.1 1985 187.8 51.6 256.0 1986 187.4 51.5 249.5 1987 185.5 51.2 241.2 1988 183.5 51.2 235.2 1989 182.4 50.7 224.3 1990 181.9 50.5 223.5 1991 180.3 49.6 215.1 1992 181.5 49.8 208.8 1993 184.3 49.8 206.4 1 Farmers are defined here as farmers, partners and directors working on farms and who describe themselves in the agricultural census returns. There can be more than one farmer, partner or director per farm. 2 Spouses of farmers, partners or directors. 3 Excluding school children but including trainees under an official scheme at agricultural wages board rates or above.