§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give figures for the percentage 474W increase in fuel costs to British glasshouse growers during the last 12 months; and what are the equivalent figures for Dutch growers for both oil and gas respectively.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerFuel costs to British glasshouse growers increased during the period by approximately 65 per cent. for heavy fuel oil and 70 per cent. for gas oil. The corresponding figures for Dutch glasshouse growers were about 73 per cent. and 66 per cent. Dutch gas prices to horticulturists increased by 26 per cent. on the first 30,000 cubic metres consumed and by 13 per cent. thereafter. United Kingdom usage of gas in horticulture is minimal.