United Kingdom Farming And The Green Pound

EDM number 469 in 1989-90, proposed by Nicholas Winterton on 07/02/1990.

That this House notes with concern the recent comments by Sir Simon Gourlay of the National Farmers Union to the effect that the United Kingdom farming industry's economic state is still close to its lowest level in the post-war period; shares Sir Simon's fear that the underlying strength of farming is still being eroded in the run-up to the Single European Market; observes that high interest rates have pushed up production costs faster than at any time in the last six years; regrets that such costs have resulted in a 50 per cent. fall in investment in fixed assets since 1984; believes that urgent action is necessary to place United Kingdom farmers on equal trading terms with their European competitors; and calls for a significant devaluation of all Green Pound rates to bring them into line with the market exchange rate.

This motion has been signed by a total of 10 MPs.