FARMERS were told that Britain's strong pound is largely out of the Government's control.

Countryside Minister Elliot Morley told farmers at this year's Great Yorkshire Show that the economy's strength was due to "global" forces.

He said: "There is no doubt that the weak Euro, along with the fact that the pound is strong, is very detrimental to agriculture and other food businesses. But there is no magic button to press to weaken the pound. It is influenced by global issues.

"What is important is that it is absolutely vital for farmers to keep the option of joining the Euro open. If it is in the interests of Britain to join then we must consider that. What would be a disaster for farmers and businesses would be to decide that we definitely won't join the Euro."