HC Deb 08 January 2001 vol 360 cc452-3W
Mr. Gill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the total expenditure was on British agriculture by(a) the British Government and (b) the European Union in the latest year for which figures are available. [144044]

Ms Quin

In 1998–99, total expenditure on British agriculture under the CAP and on national grants and subsidies was £3,482 million, of which £2,417 million was paid by the European Union and £1,065 million was paid by the Government.

Farmers also benefit from expenditure on market support measures, even though this is not paid directly to them.