§ 35. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent prices received by farmers for livestock have increased or decreased since auctioning was resumed; and by what amount the guaranteed price was affected.
Mr. AmorySince decontrol, prices of livestock have, as is normal, varied seasonally and it is not yet possible to say whether there has been any general upward or downward trend. The guaranteed prices for livestock are not affected by changes in the market prices.
§ Mrs. MannIs the Minister aware that there is no doubt that retail prices have risen very steeply? Is he also aware that retail butchers have cautioned housewives in Scotland about paying the high prices? They say that the auctioneers are buying low and selling ridiculously high. If housewives are not to buy butchers' meat, if they are not to buy tea, and if they are to boycott everything, is not Toryism costing the housewives too much?
Mr. AmoryThe hon. Lady has gone rather wider than the Question on the 2052 Order Paper, which I have done my best to answer. The points that she has raised are complicated. I should be delighted either to correspond with her or to have a talk with her on the matter, as on any other.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Lee.
§ Mr. BaldwinOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Are we not entitled to one supplementary question from this side of the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot have an argument about every Question.