To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many jobs have been lost in UK agriculture in the last five years. [114885]

Figures from the Agricultural and Horticultural Census indicate the labour on agricultural holdings in June each year (including farmers and their spouses if working on holdings). These figures show the net change in the labour force.

Total UK Labour force (thousands)
1998	608.2
1999	586.0
2000	556.9
2001(e)	549.9
2001(f)	568.4
2002	550.5

Notes:Includes estimates for minor holdingsEstimates have been made for non-respondentsFigures exclude school children but include trainees employed under an official youth training scheme and paid at Agricultural Wages Board rates or above.From 1998, all farmers managing holdings for limited companies or other institutions in England and Wales were asked to classify themselves as salaried managers.(e) June 2001 results assuming England register improvements had not taken place (comparable with June 2000).(f) June 2001 results including England register improvement (not directly comparable with June 2000).