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In conclusion the main differences in the agricultural position 
of England and Wales in 1925 as compared with what it was prior 
to the war, so far as they can be judged by this enquiry, may be 
summed up in a few words. There was in 1925 a smaller area of 
arable land and a smaller production of the principal farm crops, 
whether for sale for human consumption or for feeding to live stock, 
while the aggregate production of meat was also less; on the 
other hand, the output of milk and poultry products was greater, 
while the cultivation of horticultural crops generally has also 
extended. Thus, where the British producer is able to take 
advantage of his nearness to markets as in the case of milk, 
poultry, eggs, fruit and vegetables, there has been an extension 
in production and the grower has in spite of increased imports 
at least held his own, though in some of these commodities the 
increase in production has not been proportionate to the increase 
in population. On the other hand, where the grower is more 
exposed to world competition as in the case of farm crops and 
meat, the tendency is rather in the direction of methods which 
result in a reduction of output. Whether the smaller output of 
meat in recent years will prove a permanent feature is uncertain. 
The continuous though not very rapid decline in arable cultiva- 
tion, is perhaps a reflection on the one hand of the extension of 
dairy farming and on the other of the less remunerative character 
of corn growing. 
I have the honour to be, Sir, 
Your obedient Servant, 
R. J. THOMPSON, 
Assistant Secretary. 
December, 1926.