§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the variation in the price of beef cattle to the farmer between January, 1962, and January, 1963; how the rate of subsidy varied between these two months; and how such variations were reflected in retail prices.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe average market price for cattle in January, 1962 was 153s. 8d. cwt., and in January, 1963, it was 140s. 2d. cwt. The average rates of subsidy were 15s. 9d. cwt. last January and 24s. 6d. cwt. this January. I have no official figures of retail prices. The information I have, however, shows that prices quoted by two firms of multiple retailers were generally a little lower in January, 1962, than in January, 1963, but that more recently retail prices have swung the other way, so that far the same two firms they are now substantially lower than they were a year ago.