§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the latest figures published by her Department on the number of farmers and farm workers who left the industry in England in the 12 months to June. [141112]
§ Mr. BradshawFigures from the Agricultural and Horticultural Census indicate the labour on agricultural holdings in June each year. These figures show the net change in the labour force. The total labour force fell by nearly 5 per cent. in the year to June 2003 continuing falls seen over recent years.
Thousand Farmers, partners, directors and their spouses working on holdings June 2002 225.0 June 2003 219.1 All other workers including salaried managers and casual labour June 2002 146.6 June 2003 135.3 Notes:
Includes estimates for minor holdings.
Estimates have been made for non-respondents.
Figures exclude school children but include trainees employed under an official youth training scheme and paid at Agricultural Wages Board rates or above.
Source:
June Agricultural Census