§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will publish in the Official Report the estimate made of the cost to consumers of the Community arrangements for fish in 1974 and in 1975 to date, taking into account the increase in duties payable since 31st December 1972.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe latest estimate of the effect of membership on food prices, which shows that membership is at present having no significant effect overall, takes into account the effect of Community-financed subsidies as well as 383W levies and duties. In the first quarter of 1975 membership was responsible for a slight overall reduction in prices. There was no significant effect on the retail price of fresh fish, and a slight increase in the price of imported canned fish. My hon. Friend will be aware that there has been widespread concern recently at the low level of fresh fish prices.