HC Deb 09 March 1999 vol 327 cc188-9W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of farmers he expects to leave agricultural production in the next five years. [74693]

Mr. Rooker

Figures on the number of farmers leaving or coming into agriculture are not available. However, the number of farmers has been declining overall by 0.5 to 1 per cent. a year. Whether there will be any significant changes in the trend may also depend on the final conclusions on reform of the CAP and the impact of any implementing provisions, on which we are consulting the industry at present.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about methods for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis. [74690]

Mr. Rooker

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 911.