§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total number of farm workers employed on dairy farms in England was for the last 10 years for which figures are available; and what the estimated number is for 2004–05. [184818]
§ Alun MichaelThe number of employees on holdings in England whose predominant business is dairy is shown in the following table for 1994 to 2003. Equivalent figures from the June 2004 census will not be available until early 2005.
Number of employees on dairy type holdings in England 1994 to 2003 Employees (Thousand) 1994 26.4 1995 25.6 1996 24.7 1997 23.4 1998 21.0 1999 18.8 2000 16.0 2001 14.7 2002 14.7 2003 13.4 Notes 1. Employees exclude farmers, partners, directors and spouses if they work on the holding. 2. Figures prior to 2000 are for main holdings only, 2000 onwards include main and minor holdings. Source: June Agricultural Census.