HC Deb 18 November 1997 vol 301 cc118-9W
Mr. Greenway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many postal surveys of farmers have been undertaken by his Department during the past five years; and which of these had a statutory basis providing for penalties for non-compliance.[16047]

Mr. Morley

In 1996, 15 regular statistical surveys were conducted to farmers, of which 6 were compulsory. This excludes 2 voluntary surveys which are not run every year. Over the last five years, 3 voluntary statistical surveys have been dropped and 2 have been introduced. Rather than reducing the number of surveys, most survey control action has concentrated on reducing the numbers contacted. In addition to the statistical surveys, 11 ad hoc postal surveys were run to provide information for policy needs in 1996.

Mr. Greenway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many postal surveys of farmers undertaken during the past five years requested information which was required by the European Commission.[16048]

Mr. Morley

Of the 15 regular statistical surveys conducted in 1996, 10 provided information required by the EU. This provides the annual picture, apart from a labour survey which is run every 2 or 3 years to provide detailed information required in the European Structure Survey.

Mr. Greenway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce the number of(a) separate surveys and (b) questions and their level of detail required of farmers and landowners. [16046]

Mr. Morley

The Government are committed to reducing the amount of statistical data collected from farmers. Survey control procedures ensure that the essential information need and the number of surveys is regularly reviewed. Increased sampling in the June and December surveys, together with use of administrative data, will save on the issue of over 25,000 forms this year. About 25 per cent. of farmers contacted in the June 1997 census received a simpler form.