HC Deb 26 November 2002 vol 395 cc232-3W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the financial impact of the 20 day movement standstill on Lancashire dairy farmers. [82201]

Mr. Morley

We have commissioned independent researchers to carry out a detailed cost-benefit analysis into the 20 day standstill in order to gain a better understanding of the economic impact of the current rules. We expect the researchers to examine the impact of the rules both on the livestock industry in aggregate and on individual sectors and sub-groups, including those facing special difficulty. This may include regional impacts, but will not necessarily be broken down by county.

Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the size was of the average dairy herd in Lancashire in each of the last five years. [82202]

Mr. Morley

Number of holdings, number of cows in dairy herd and average number of these dairy cattle on holdings in Lancashire 1997–2001.

Year Holdings Cattle Average
1997 1,386 89,687 64.7
1998 1,358 88,571 65.2
1999 1,292 89,015 68.9
2000 1,186 84,600 71.3
2001 1,116 85,092 76.3

Notes:

1.Years 2000 and 2001 refer to main and minor holdings. 1997–99 refer to main holdings only

2.A dairy cow is defined as a cow or heifer in the dairy herd that has calved.

Source:

June Agriculture and Horticultural Census.