HC Deb 12 July 1995 vol 263 cc656-7W
Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people were employed in Scottish farming in each of the years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33539]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

[holding answer 11 July 1995]: The figures requested are set out in the table.

Year Number employed in Scottish farming
1990 62,650
1991 61,061
1992 60,146
1993 58,778
1994 59,942

The figures are obtained from the annual June agricultural census and relate to main holdings. The numbers include total regular staff full and part-time, casual staff, occupiers working on farms and occupiers' spouses also working on farms. Figures for 1995 are not yet available.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many fatalities there have been among those employed in Scottish farming in each of the years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; [33541]

(2) how many people employed in Scottish farming have been injured in each of the years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33540]

Mr. Robertson

[holding answer 11 July 1995]: The information on injuries and fatalities among those employed in Scottish farming as reported to the Health and Safety Executive is set out in the table.

Year Number of injuries Number of fatalities
1990–91 216 9
1991–92 195 6
1992–93 223 4
1993–94 193 8

Note:

The table shows injuries and fatalities reported to the HSE and to local authorities covering agriculture and horticulture. The HSE gets to know of virtually all workplace deaths but it is known that non-fatal injuries are subject to under-reporting; the extent of under-reporting may be considerable so the figures need to be interpreted in this light. Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available.