§ Mr. Marksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the average wholesale and retail prices of home-killed beef in mid-October 1959, 1964 and 1969; and what were the major causes of the changes.
§ Mr. HoyAverage wholesale and retail prices of home-killed beef, per lb. in mid-October 1959, 1964 and 1969 were as follows:
1959 1964 1969 s. d. s. d. s. d. Wholesale price of Scottish killed sides 2 3½ 2 8¾ 2 11½ Retail price of: Sirloin, without bone 5 4¼ 6 9 8 7 Brisket, with bone 2 2½ 2 7½ 3 5 The wholesale prices are based on information acquired from Smithfield Market Scottish killed sides are the only form of British beef for which Smithfield prices are now generally available. The retail prices are derived from returns collected by the Ministry of Labour in 1959 and 1964, and the Department of Employment and Productivity in 1969.
The main causes of the changes in these prices are variations in the total quantity of beef available on the United Kingdom market, the strength of demand for beef and the increased costs of production and distribution in the meat and livestock industry.