The BBC's Alva McNichol: "Every year five children die in accidents on UK farms"

Mr Meacher was speaking after being presented with the findings of a year-long study of accidents involving children in south Wales.

The report, which will be highlighted on BBC One's CountryFile programme on Sunday, suggested the number of agricultural accidents could be under-reported.

The author of the report, Jo Sibert, professor of community child health at the University of Wales, looked at the number of children under 16 who were admitted to four hospitals in south Wales.

Michael Meacher says he is 'very concerned' about farm safety

She found 65 cases where accidents had not been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

'Appalling haemorrhage'

Mr Meacher said he would re-examine farm safety regulations to end the "appalling haemorrhage" of accidents involving children.

He said he was "deeply concerned" at laws which allow children as young as 13 to drive tractors on farms.

CountryFile says there is "strong evidence" most accidents involving children and tractors are not reported to the HSE.

An average of five children a year have died in accidents on farms in the past 10 years.

Ms Sibbert called for the law to be changed to prevent children under 17 from driving tractors.

She said: "We know that there are a significant number of tractor injuries and deaths to young people.

"We do not let people drive on the roads until they are 17-years-old for good reason and there is no reason why driving a tractor should be any different."

'Very concerned'

Mr Meacher told the programme: "I am very concerned that children at the age of 13 are able to drive motorised vehicles which can cause injury either to themselves or to others.

"I'm extremely keen to ensure that we have the tightest and most stringent regulations to stop this appalling haemorrhage of death and serious accidents to children - it is completely unacceptable.

"I intend to have a look at these regulations for myself to see if we cannot tighten them further in order to stop these child deaths."

Countryfile is broadcast on BBC One at 1130 BST on Sunday.