§ 18. Mr. Meacher
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much he estimates food prices will rise as a result of the price awards in the recent Farm Price Review.
§ Mr. William Hamilton
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, by how much he estimates the prices of eggs, lamb, beef, sugar and potatoes will rise consequent on the decisions made in the recent Farm Price Review.
§ Mr. Prior
There is no basis for suggesting that the Annual Review determinations will result in a large increase in food prices and I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham,364W Perry Barr (Mr. Kinsey) and the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. Deakins) on 23rd March.—[Vol. 809, c. 1318–9.]
§ 22. Mr. Deakins
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he altered the previous basis of calculation of cost increases for the purposes of the 1471 Annual Review; and why it was necessary to exclude the £24 million increased costs attributable to production of milk and eggs outside the standard quantities.
§ Mr. Prior
The costs to be taken into account in calculating the minimum determination under the provisions of the Agriculture Act, 1957 are those in respect ofproduce to which the guaranteed prices apply".This means that all costs in respect of produce outside the standard quantities for milk and eggs must be excluded as was done this year.