Farm Incomes

HC Deb 30 January 1998 vol 305 c408W

Mr. Quinn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on farm incomes. [27079]

Dr. John Cunningham

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 this morning and have been placed in the Library.