HC Deb 02 October 1939 vol 351 cc1654-5
3. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government are taking to prevent the controlled prices fixed for the sale of livestock being fixed under the cost of production?

The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

Arrangements have been made for consultation between the Ministry of Food and the Agricultural Departments in connection with the fixing of prices of agricultural produce. I can assure my hon. Friend that close attention will be given to farmers' costs of production.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the controlled price is having the result of a reduction in the production from farmers? Is he aware that pig farmers are having to pay more for their feeding stuffs and that they cannot get any corresponding increase for the pigs that they produce?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

All these matters are under review.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the actual percentage increase, including the subsidy paid for fat cattle, as compared with the price ruling three months ago?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. Williams

Is it not the case that fat cattle prices are up approximately by 15 per cent.?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

There has been a slight increase.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Will my right hon. Friend collaborate with the Minister of Food and see whether the prices to the farmer for agricultural products bear some relation to the prices charged by retailers? There is an opinion among many farmers at the present time that the prices they are receiving are increased considerably more than they should before their products reach the public?