§ 67. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with bodies outside the Government about increases in the prices of New Zealand butter in the United Kingdom; how this will affect the price of United Kingdom and other imported butter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartOn my appointment I was informed that the New Zealand Dairy Board proposed to raise the first hand selling price of its butter here. The board's representative called on my right hon. Friend on 23rd June in order to explain why the board thought it necessary, in view of higher freight and other costs, to increase the price. On 24th June the New Zealand Dairy Board raised the price by 15s. a cwt. Prices of Australian, Irish, English and some minor butters have increased by a similar amount but the more expensive butters, principally Danish and Dutch, have not risen in price. The retail price of those butters which have increased in price may rise by 1d. a half pound packet.