§ 20. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what forecasts he has made for the economic prospects of the arable sector over the coming year.[137153]
§ Ms QuinForecasts of farm incomes in the United Kingdom, for the year ending February 2001, including incomes on cereals farms and general cropping farms, will be published at the end of January 2001. More detailed information will be available in the next edition of "Farm Incomes in the United Kingdom" which will be published in March 2001. There is no doubt, however, that UK arable farmers face very difficult trading conditions which is why my right hon. Friend the Minister has announced that a further £34 million in agrimonetary compensation is to be paid to arable farmers, subject to European Commission approval. The extra money will provide valuable assistance to the arable sector at an exceptionally difficult time.