HC Deb 29 July 1966 vol 732 cc339-40W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy towards joining the European Economic Community, he will publish a table showing how British prices in sterling compare with those agreed by the European Economic Community at Brussels on 24th July, details of which have been sent to him.

Mr. Peart

Because of differences in definition of product and other factors affecting prices, a direct comparison is not possible. Of the prices referred to, the following is the best comparison that can be made:

U.K. guaranteed producer prices(1966–67) E.E.C. common producer prices (Expressed in sterling for U.K. measures)
Fat cattle (live cwt.) 184/-(a) 241/3d. ("guide" price)
Milk (gallon) 3/6.35(b) 3/3d. ("target" price)
Sugar beet (ton—16 % I sugar content. 130/6d.(c) (d)123/- (minimum price for basic E.E.C. quota)

(a) In addition, calf subsidy is payable at the rate of £10 5s. and £8 for steer and heifer calves respectively.

(b) The price received by the producers will be less than the guaranteed price. In 1965–66 it averaged about 3/1½d. per gallon.

(c) Delivered to factory.

(d) Ex-farm price. In addition the producer is entitled to free returns of beet pulp.