HC Deb 20 July 1971 vol 821 cc233-4W
26. Mr. Golding

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the increase in the wholesale prices of food since 18th June, 1970; and whether he will make a statement

Mr. Prior

There is no single measure of changes in the wholesale prices of all food.

34. Mr. Dixon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the percentage increase between 1964 and the first half of 1970 in international food prices as calculated by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, details of which are in his possession, and in United Kingdom food prices, and the corresponding figures in each case between the first half of 1970 and the first quarter of 1971.

Mr. Prior

Between 1964 and the first half of 1970 the National Institute of Economic and Social Research Index of Food Export Prices of Primary Producers fell by 1.9 per cent., while the United Kingdom Index of Retail Food Prices rose by 28.6 per cent. Between the first half of 1970 and the first quarter of 1971 the Food Export Prices Index rose by 7.4 per cent. while the United Kingdom Index of Retail Food Prices rose by 6.8 per cent.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further advice he now proposes to offer housewives, in view of the trend in food prices since he took office.

Mr. Prior

Any advice I give housewives will continue to be appropriate to the time and the circumstances.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the fall in food prices following the reduction in selective employment tax.

Mr. Prior

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Kenneth Marks) and others earlier today.