§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) cereal, (b) sheep, (c) beef and (d) other livestock producers have gone out of business since 1 May 1997. [86473]
§ Mr. RookerThe information requested is not available. Figures are published in the Digest of Agricultural Census Statistics on the number of holdings undertaking various types of farming. Holdings can continue with the same activities even though they change ownership and conversely can change their activities while continuing in the same farming business.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pig farmers have gone out of business in the United Kingdom since 1 May 1997. [86474]
§ Mr. RookerInformation in the form requested is not available. The available information relates to the number of main holdings with pigs at the June agricultural census, which were estimated to be 14,243 at June 1997 and 14,278 at June 1998. Results from the 1999 June census are not yet available. Holdings can continue with the same activities even though they change ownership and conversely can change their activities while continuing in the same farming business.