Two articles in today's Telegraph particularly caught my attention (Spending on cars nearly doubles in 30 years; Farming incomes lowest for 60 years, 30 November 2000).

The first reports data from the Office for National Statistics showing that while the average family now spends almost double what it did 30 years ago on the family car(s) (about 14% of available income), the amount it spends on food has dropped by more than 60% to just under 17% of available income.

The second article is the latest in a long series lamenting the pitiful situation of our farmers, who are now struggling to get by on real incomes lower than they have been in almost 60 years. 

I am wondering if there might not perhaps be a connection between the two, and if so, whether it would be terribly naïve of me to suggest that we look at the reasons why, before considering measures to reverse the trend.