HC Deb 19 February 1997 vol 290 c607W
Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact on(a) farmers' incomes and (b) the economy of Wales of the European ban on UK beef exports. [15479]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

Total income from farming in Wales is estimated to have fallen by 4.4 per cent. in 1996. This is due to a range of factors, including BSE. Output from the cattle sector in Wales is estimated to have fallen by just under 23 per cent. in 1996. However, this reduction in output is largely offset by compensation and support measures put in place by the Government. The Department is co-sponsoring an independent study to provide a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of BSE.