Food Prices

HC Deb 17 April 1978 vol 948 c48W

38. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he will give the increase in food prices since February 1974.

Mr. Hattersley

The retail food index has increased 94.7 per cent. since February 1974. However, the latest figures show that food prices have increased by 6.4 per cent. between March 1977 and March 1978, the lowest annual rate since May 1972.

41. Mr. Wyn Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what has been the rate of increase in food import prices over the first quarter of 1978 and the last quarter of 1977.

Mr. Hattersley

Food import prices rose 1.9 per cent. over the last quarter of 1977 and 1.4 per cent. over the first quarter of 1978.