§ 27. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average increase in price of bread, meat, fish, potatoes, and flour, respectively, during the last quarter of 1964 and the first quarter of 1965.
§ Mr. PeartThe price of the large white loaf rose by about 7½ per cent. in the fourth quarter of 1964, and has not changed since then. There was a 10 per cent. seasonal rise in potato prices during the fourth quarter but there has been no significant change so far this year. The only guide for the other commodities are the sub-groups of the Index of Retail Prices up to February and I will, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. WallWhy is it that at a time when farmers are complaining about a cut in their income, the housewife has to pay more for a general range of foodstuffs?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that farmers are not getting a cut in their income, and so his allegation is wrong.
§ Following are the details:
| (January 1962=100) | |||
| Sub-group | September, 1964 | December, 1964 | February, 1965 |
| Bread, flour, cereals, biscuits and cakes | 109 | 112 | 113 |
| Meat and bacon | 115 | 115 | 115 |
| Fish | 105 | 109 | 108 |