AID FOR ARABLE FARMERS

Early day motion 242, tabled 16 October 2001 by Baroness Shephard of Northwold (Conservative). Signed by 87 members.

That this House is concerned by the continuing decline in British arable farmers' incomes, which have fallen by 61 per cent. over the last year alone; recognises the strength of the pound has been a key underlying cause of this decline, with output prices depressed and the sterling value of support payments falling by 20 per cent. over the past five years, compared with a 15 per cent. increase in euro payments; notes how the pressure on arable farmers has been exacerbated by the effects of severe flooding, which reduced this year's harvest by some 25 to 30 per cent.; further notes that the flow of funds for investment has now almost completely dried up on Britain's arable farms; and urges the Government to apply immediately for the package of agrimonetary compensation worth approximately ú57 million, available under EU rules only until 31st October, to partially offset the adverse effects of these currency movements.

Signatures by party: Conservative 47, Liberal Democrat 27, Labour 6, Scottish National Party 4, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.