§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the fall in food prices this summer and early autumn differed from the average fall in food prices experienced during the last five years; and if he will give particulars.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartTaking the months June to September, the fall in the Food Index this year between the highest level (July) and the lowest (August) was 2.6 points. The average fall between the highest and lowest months in the corresponding period of each of the five years 1965–69 was 2.7 points.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the movement of food prices during the last four months shows an underlying tendency to increase or decrease, when seasonal factors are discounted.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West (Mr. Bob Brown) on 24th November.—[Vol. 807, Cols.75–76.]