§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the reduction by 5d. per 1b. 124W on the import levy on pork to the Common Market and the extra 1,300 pigs exported as a result will increase the price of bacon to the home consumer.
§ Mr. HoyThe retail prices of bacon in this country are influenced by many factors. It is not possible to identify as a separate element the effect on bacon price levels of any extra pigs exported since the reduction of the Common Market levy on pork.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that in the next two months it is proposed to increase the prices of 293 grocery items including soft drinks, lard, cooking oil, canned meats, canned fruit, sausages, pies, cooked meats, nuts, spaghetti rings, baked beans and soups; and as these price increases will again raise the cost of living, what action he proposes to take to stop these increases.
§ Mr. HoyI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the price increases for individual lines, including non-food items, listed inThe Grocer for 6th December. All the significant food items are covered by my Department's price surveillance arrangements and I am satisfied that there have been no unjustified increases.