Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 February 1998. It was answered by Calum Macdonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 February 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, If he will estimate the effect on farm incomes in Scotland of parity between the green pound and sterling. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the effect on farm incomes in Scotland of parity between the green pound and sterling. [28093] Mr. Macdonald: It is not possible to isolate the impact of currency fluctuations from other factors that determine farm incomes. However, the freeze in the conversion rates used to calculate the sterling value of most subsidy payments has protected farming from the full effect of sterling appreciation. This is estimated to benefit Scottish farmers by around £60 million over 1997 and 1998.

Secondary information