HC Deb 22 July 1975 vol 896 cc182-3W
Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he can now say what steps he proposes to take in order to keep the autumn store cattle prices firm; when he proposes to indicate the target prices for beef cattle for the period to March 1976; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

The announcement later this month of the monthly target prices for the remainder of the current marketing year will show a substantial rise between September/October and next February. There will, moreover, be a further transitional step towards the common guide price in March. These should provide a strong inducement for fatteners to over-winter stock and serve to strengthen prices in the autumn sales of store cattle.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in tabular form the average auction price in Great Britain over each of the last eight weeks for light, medium and heavy steers and light and medium/heavy heifers, respectively.

Mr. Bishop

The information requested is set out below. Average prices have been calculated from reports received by the Meat and Livestock Commission from representative markets. The cattle prices on a Wednesday to Tuesday week basis are calculated as part of the EEC price reporting system.

to what causes he attributes the recent sharp fall in auction prices for fat cattle; and what has been the total sum payable by his Department in premiums to support producers' returns over the last eight weeks.

Mr. Bishop

A seasonal decline in market prices is normal at this time of year as increasing numbers of cattle come off grass. The recent early and sharp decline appears to be largely due to the recent prolonged warm dry spell, particularly in the main grass-growing areas. This has reduced the available grazing whilst producing conditions in which cattle become ready for slaughter more quickly. At the same time it has accentuated the seasonal fall in demand for beef. Following the break in the weather there have been signs that market prices are now stabilising.

Payments due for certifications in the United Kingdom in the eight weeks up to 6th July 1975 are estimated by the Intervention Board to amount to £9.2 million. Of this, £6.4 million is in respect of head-age payments from Community funds and £2.8 million in respect of variable supplements which are met from the Exchequer.