HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 c25W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives are being pursued(a) to reduce suicides among farmers and (b) to investigate the stress levels of farmers. [110531]

Ms Quin

A MAFF official has been seconded to work for two years as Deputy Director of the Rural Stress Information Network, an authoritative source of information and advice on initiatives to combat rural stress.

Staff working at or for MAFF's Regional Service Centres have received guidance to ensure that where their work brings them into contact with distressed farmers they know how to deal with the situation and instigate any follow up. Free business advice is also made available to distressed farmers referred to MAFF by the Samaritans or social services.

The Department of Health has funded research in this area, the results of which were published in a report in 1998 called "Suicide and Stress in Farmers" available in the Library of the House.