§ Milk. The minimum prices relate to the average of all milk sold through recognised marketing channels in the United Kingdom, subject to seasonal, country and regional variations. They exclude quality premiums, and are calculated before allowing for transport deductions to the point of first delivery. The existing premium of 2d. per gallon for T.T. milk will be continued at not less than this amount until 1955–56 over and above the minimum price for other milk. Of the 2s. 6d. in 1954–55 and 1955–56 not more than 1d. on the average for the United Kingdom may take the form of production bonus. The figure for 1953–54 includes this bonus at 1d.
§ Fat Cattle. The minimum prices apply to the collective average of steers, heifers and the new class of special young cows recently announced. This new class takes the place of cow-heifers. The minimum prices include quality premiums but exclude calf subsidy and hill cattle subsidy. In the event of payments being made in future on a deadweight basis, the equivalent deadweight prices would be determined and published.
§ Fat sheep and lambs. The minimum prices relate to the average of first grade sheep and lambs, including headage payments and spring lamb bonus. Within the combined average minimum prices for fat sheep and fat lambs, fat lambs are guaranteed a separate minimum of 1½d. per lb. higher than for fat sheep. The figure of Is. 10d. for 1953–54 relates to fat sheep only.
§ Pigs. The minimum prices of 47s. per score in 1954–55 and 45s. per score in 1955–56 will apply to the average of (a) clean pigs of 5 score 16 lb. to 7 score inclusive suitable for the retail pork trade, and (b) clean pigs of 7 score I lb. to 8 score 15 lb. inclusive which conform to certain grading standards. The precise grading standards will be discussed with the Farmers' Unions before they are 194W of the Agriculture Act, 1947. These prices do not, of course, necessarily represent the returns which farmers may expect to receive in those years. In accordance with the Act they represent the minimum levels below which farmers' remuneration for their produce will not be allowed to fall.
§ incorporated in the Minimum Prices Order. The agreed object is to secure grading standards suitable for modern conditions similar to those that operated in 1939.
§ For the collective average of all other clean pigs which are suitable for the retail pork trade or for bacon manufacture and which do not exceed 9 score, the minimum price will be 40s. in 1954–55 and 1955–56. Pigs classified as over-fat will not be covered.
§ Hen Eggs. The minimum prices relate only to first quality eggs as at present defined, and are in terms of annual averages.
§ Possible Downward Adjustment of Pig and Egg Prices. The minimum prices of pigs and hen and duck eggs are subject to reduction in the event of a decline in feedingstuffs prices. These reductions will be 3d. per score in the average price of fat pigs for each 3d. per cwt. and 1d. per dozen in the minimum prices of eggs for each 13⅓d. per cwt. by which the average cost of a standard feed ration falls below the average cost in the year ending 31st March, 1953.