HC Deb 29 November 1967 vol 755 c424
22. Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional costs will be incurred by farmers during the current financial year as a result of the recent agricultural wage award.

Mr. John Mackie

About £3 million in Great Britain.

Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe

As devaluation has produced a new situation, with a heavy increase in costs for all imported feedingstuffs and fertilisers, is not this another argument for trying to hasten the Price Review so that farmers can plan ahead with some confidence?

Mr. Mackie

My right hon. Friend answered the point—[Hon. Members: "No."]—he may not have answered it to the satisfaction of some hon Gentlemen opposite, but he has answered the point about an additional Price Review. The £3 million is for a short period of the financial year. For a full year it will be much more. It will only affect next year.

Mr. Hazell

As the new wage award does not become operative until February, 1968, will my hon. Friend give consideration to an earlier date being fixed for this award?

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