HC Deb 06 December 1956 vol 561 cc1432-3
23. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what inquiries he is now making to find out the actual return to producers on fatstock sales by private treaty and comparable sales.

Mr. Amory

Representative samples are being obtained from such records of private treaty or grade and deadweight sales as are available or can be obtained with the co-operation of the trade.

Mr. Willey

As this covers about one-quarter of the sales, will the right hon. Gentleman see whether he can satisfy himself that he does get adequate information?

Mr. Amory

Yes, I believe that we shall do that. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that so far the partial returns which I have had indicate that for cattle the prices are not materially different from those at the auctions; but that is only an interim report. The final conclusion may be different.