§ 1. Mr. Hawkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the proportionately lower prices received for winter-yarded cattle sold in April as compared with grass-fed cattle sold in July, due to the changes in the seasonal scale of standard prices, he will take action to remedy the situation.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Hoy)For several years cattle marketings in April have tended to be much heavier than in July and market prices have been lower. The changes in the seasonal scale, which were foreshadowed at the 1964 Review, were made to encourage a better spread of marketings over the year and I see no reason to alter them.
§ Mr. HawkinsIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that yarded cattle are extremely expensive to produce, and that even before this alteration they left very little margin of profitability? Does he not feel that the only way to produce more beef is to give higher guaranteed prices, nearer to those being maintained on the Continent at present?
§ Mr. HoyThe standard price is still higher in April than in July, although the differential has been narrowed. The higher costs for winter-yarded cattle as opposed to grass-fed cattle are still reflected in the guaranteed price. I would once more remind the hon. Gentleman 1560 that full notice of the proposed changes was given a year ago.