§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why, when farm gate prices have risen by only 8 per cent. over the last four years, overall farm costs have risen by more than double that figure; and if it is his intention to recoup both these and anticipated further cost increases in his forthcoming Farm Price Review.
§ Mr. John MackieIt is misleading to compare input prices and farm gate prices in isolation without considering other factors which affect farming profitability. As to the second part of the Question, increases in farmers' costs will be taken into account together with all other relevant factors at the forthcoming Annual Review but I cannot anticipate the outcome.