§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish particulars of fuel subsidies given to glasshouse growers in other countries of the European Community together with comparative fuel prices in such countries and the United Kingdom, respectively.
§ Mr. StrangThe only subsidy on fuel for heating glasshouses of which I am aware is being paid by the Dutch Government on oil. It is equivalent to about 2½p a gallon and is due to end on 30th June this year. The prices paid for fuel oil by growers will vary according to individual circumstances, but our estimates of the general level of prices after refund of excise duty are as follows:
Heavy fuel oil Gas/Diesel oil (equivalent pence per gallon) … … p. p. United Kingdom … … 19 26 Netherlands … … 16 26
§ Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the percentage rise or fall in the average incomes of glasshouse growers in 1975 compared with 1974; and what was the rise in the cost of living between those years.
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§ Mr. StrangI regret that information on average incomes of glasshouse growers is not available. The General Index of Retail Prices showed an increase of 24 per cent. between 1974 and 1975.