§ Mr. Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is he is aware that the Index of Retail Prices reveals that the figure for the food group is the highest on record; and what are the reasons for this.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Retail Food Index normally shows a seasonal rise at this time of year, but at 107.4 the April figure is less than one per cent. higher than a year ago. The rise of one and a half points between March and April is due mainly to increases in the prices of liquid milk, beef, lamb and fresh vegetables.