§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent increases there have been in the retail prices of foodstuffs; to what factors he attributes them; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartOver the last three months the index of retail food prices has increased from 108.7 to 109.4 (January, 1962 =100). Within this overall increase in the index, prices of some foodstuffs have risen and others have fallen. In particular, increases have occurred in the bread and cereals group, the butter and fats group, and for certain vegetables. On the other hand there have been decreases in the price of fruits.
Retail prices are affected by fluctuations in agricultural production and in the availability of imports, and by increases in costs in the food industries. Subject to these factors it is the policy of the Government to keep the level of food prices as steady as possible.