§ 58. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent agricultural production costs, excluding labour, have increased during the past eight years; and whether he will make an investigation into the profits made by industries which supply agriculture.
§ Mr. NugentThe estimated cost increases per unit over the last eight years include: feeding stuffs 123 per cent; fuel and oil 62 per cent; transport 58 per cent.; machinery repairs 56 per cent.; fertilisers (excluding subsidy) 42 per cent.; and seed 18 per cent. The big increase in feeding stuffs prices reflects among other things the elimination of substantial subsidies.
As to the second part of the Question, the Monopolies Commission is there to make such investigations in its field as seem to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to be justified and the hon. Member will be aware that the fertiliser industry is to be examined by the Commission. My right hon. Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by setting up an additional investigation.