§ 76. Major Sir HARRY BARNSTONasked the Minister of Agriculture how the prices received to-day by farmers for cattle, sheep, pigs, cheese and hay compare with the prices received a year ago?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe index figures showing the percentage increase over February 1911–13, for the items in question in 983 February, 1923, and February, 1924, are as follow:—
February February 1923. 1924. Fat Cattle … 61 … 54 Fat Sheep … 97 … 75 Fat Pigs … 88 … 34 Cheese … 88 … 72 Hay … 42 … -1* *Decrease.
§ Mr. McENTEEMay we be informed as to whether the former figures indicate a very high rate of profit or whether the latter figures indicate a lose to the farmers?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONMay I ask the Minister how the answer he has just given coincides with the statement made by him in this House on 14th February, that there had been a distinct hardening in prices and a marked improvement in most agricultural products?
§ Mr. BUXTONIf I am not going outside legitimate bounds in answering this question, I would say that against the prices mentioned, there are other prices such as barley, wool, potatoes, vegetables and some other articles.