asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated level of increase in farm incomes for 1987; the expected rate of increase for 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Farm Incomes.
43.
The most recent CSO provisional estimate on 5 February, 1988 of total farm income, which excludes off-farm income, in 1987 is £1,318 million, an increase of 17 per cent on the 1986 figure. However, current reviews of farm income for 1987 suggest that the final figure will be significantly higher as indicated in the AFT National Farm Survey — Provisional Estimates. As yet, it is too early to speculate on the rate of increase for 1988, which is dependent on output and input price movements, volume changes and the general performance of farmers in responding to changing market conditions.