§ 32. Mr. Hoyleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the food price rises which he calculates will arise from decisions of the EEC Council of Ministers in 1978.
§ Mr. John SilkinI estimate that the devaluation of the green pound on which the Council recently agreed will add about 1½ per cent. to food prices when the effects work through to retail level. I cannot forecast what decisions may be taken by the Council in the rest of the year.
§ 48. Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations are taking place 318W with the food and drink manufacturing industries concerning the forthcoming annual price fixing of agricultural and food products.
§ Mr. StrangMy Department keeps in close touch with representatives of these industries. Discussions with them in connection with the 1978 annual review of agriculture covered issues which arise on the fixing of common agricultural prices for 1978–79.