HC Deb 07 July 1955 vol 543 cc1278-9
12. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average collective guarantee per lb. for fat sheep for the six months ended 31st March; and the collective guarantee per lb. for the current six months.

Mr. Amory

The average collective guarantee for the six months ended 31st March was a fraction under 4¼d. per lb dressed carcase weight: the rate has not yet been announced for the whole of the current six months, but the average for the three months April to June was very slightly over 4d. per lb.

13. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average market realisation price per lb. for fat sheep during the six months ended 31st March and the average price at the present time.

Mr. Amory

For the six months ended 31st March the average market price including individual guarantee payments was slightly under 2s. 11½d. per lb. estimated dressed carcase weight. For the week ended 26th June, 1955, the price was 2s. 6¼d.

Mr. Williams

As there has been a fall of 5d. per lb. in the price of fat sheep, will the collective guaranteed payment increase according to the reduction in the price, or is it likely to decrease while the price of fat sheep is decreasing?

Mr. Amory

The answer to the right hon. Gentleman is the answer that I attempted to give to an earlier Question. The actual payment for the periods depends on the figure of the moving average for the fifty-two weeks ended four weeks before the period in question.

Mr. Williams

I know that a big effort has been made to obtain the right method and procedure. However, in the light of the figures over the previous six months and the present six months, is it not possible that the collective guaranteed payment may be fairly high while the price is high but now that the price is falling the collective guaranteed payment may fall at the same time?

Mr. Amory

That could be the result over a short period. I can only say that if the right hon. Gentleman knows a better way of dealing with the situation I should be delighted to receive his suggestions.