HL Deb 05 February 1998 vol 585 c126WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their latest estimate of farm incomes. [HL384]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue):

Estimated figures show that Total Farm Income from Farming fell by 37 per cent. in real terms in 1997. The fall shows substantial increases in incomes in recent years and reflects the lower prices for many agricultural commodities. A major factor is the strength of the pound sterling, which affects all sectors of the economy. Detailed estimates of the income, output and productivity of United Kingdom Agriculture in 1997 were published on 30 January and have been placed in the Library of the House.