HC Deb 19 July 1971 vol 821 cc217-8W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect is likely to be experienced, in the event of Great Britain entering the European Economic Community, in the retail prices of the following foodstuffs, namely, sugar, pork, lamb, poultry and bacon.

Mr. Prior

: In paragraph 88 of the White Paper "The United Kingdom and the European Communities" (Cmnd. 4715), it is estimated that membership will affect food prices gradually over a period of about six years, with an average increase of about 2½ per cent. each year in retail prices. Of the commodities mentioned by the hon. Member, it is estimated that the price of poultry will increase by slightly less than the average, pork by about the average and sugar,

tables showing the net income of families with one, two, three, four and 10 children over a standard range of gross earnings between £12 and £100 a week after payment of income tax and national insurance contributions at the rates now proposed, but including family allowances and family income supplements.

Mr. Higgins

: Following is the information :

lamb and bacon by rather more than the average.

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