asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that for 1947, the last year for which figures are available, the estimated income of each person gainfully occupied in agriculture was £165; and, if so, whether he will state what steps he has taken to increase that low annual income.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incomes from Agriculture.
I am aware that the average income per person gainfully occupied in agriculture in 1947 has been estimated at approximately £165.
With regard to the second part of the question, I would mention the following in particular: Last year's Trade Agreement with Great Britain; the recent Egg Agreement with Great Britain; the arrangements made for the import of greatly increased supplies of fertilisers and feeding stuffs; and the recently announced land reclamation scheme. Some of these measures have already brought about substantial increases in production and exports.
This country's long term programme, in connection with the European Recovery Programme, envisages an increase of 22 per cent. in the volume of agricultural production in 1952/53 compared with 1947. Our export programme for the year 1952/53 represents an increase in the volume of agricultural exports of over 100 per cent. compared with 1947.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask the Minister if, having regard to the fact that the average income of each person in agriculture is approximately £3 per week —that is less than half the average income of each person engaged in other avocations—the Minister will give a definite assurance that he will take such steps as may be necessary to bring the average income of each person in agriculture up to the level of that of other sections?
The Deputy in his supplementary question should have used the word "was" instead of "is".
The figure to which I have referred is the last figure available.
Yes, but that does not represent the present income.
What is it?
You would not understand it.
What was it?