§ 73. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the distress which will be caused, particularly to the smaller farmer, as a result of the recent revision of agricultural prices; and what steps he is taking to enable the farmers to meet the substantial rise of £2 per ton in the costs of feeding-stuffs.
§ Mr. CollickNo, Sir, my right hon. Friend has no reason to expect that such distress will occur. If any difficulties become apparent during the next six months it will be open to the National Farmers' Union to make appropriate representations at the next annual price review in February. Similarly, if there has been any rise in the costs of feeding-stuffs, the appropriate time to raise this matter is next February along with any other cost increases or decreases.
§ 75. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now announce the detailed allocation of the increase in prices of fat cattle, sheep and lambs during the period August to December, 1946.
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§ Mr. CollickDetails of the various increases in the current prices for fat sheep, cattle and lambs that will come into operation at intervals from 5th August onwards were published in a Press announcement issued on 22nd July, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.
§ 76. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will reopen the special price review; and if he will receive evidence from representatives of producers regarding the increased cost they would have to bear that would not be met by his present proposals.
§ Mr. CollickThe National Farmers' Unions have had ample opportunity at the recent special price review to bring forward all the evidence in their possession; and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to impair the agreed procedure for price fixing by holding a further special review so soon after the conclusion of the last.