§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the expected rise in United Kingdom farm income if the EEC Commission price proposals of 11th December are implemented; how this compares with the current rate of inflation and the rise in farm costs, respectively; and whether such proposals conform with the policy of restraining the income increase of the self-employed to £312 per annum.
§ Mr. BishopI regret that it is not possible to make a useful estimate because levels of Community support prices are only one of many factors affecting farm incomes. We have made clear, however, that decisions on agricultural support are taken within the framework of the Government's attack on inflation.