§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the additional £250,000 cost incurred by farmers as a result of rating of agricultural buildings was apportioned between different commodities at the 1969 Price Review.
§ Mr. John MackieAt the Annual Review total cost changes are assessed for all products and for guaranteed commodities. The figures are shown in Appendix III of the Annual Review White Paper but are not apportioned between individual products. However, the hon. Member may like to know that from a survey of local authorities in England and Wales carried out by my Department in December, 1967, it is estimated that about two-thirds of the total of £250,000 rates was incurred on broiler houses and that much of the remainder related to egg production.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the expansion in the home producers' share of the bacon market as a result of the guaranteed price fixed for pigs at the 1969 Price Review.
§ Mr. HoyIt is not possible to estimate the specific effect of Annual Review determinations on the production of bacon, as many other factors are involved for the curing industry. However, my 101W right hon. Friend is satisfied that the increase in the guaranteed price and the raising of the middle band should maintain the expansion in pig numbers necessary for a continuing increase in basic production as well as meeting the demands of the pork market.
§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what progress is being made to meet the targets recommended by the Economic Develop-men Council's Report on Agriculture.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton).