§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the percentage rise in retail meat prices in 1971 and in 1972 as a result of the imposition of import levies on meat.
§ Mr. PriorI do not expect the minimum import price arrangements announced on 17th March to have any effect on retail beef prices in the coming year. As to mutton and lamb, the full rate of duty—which will not come into effect until 1st July, 1972—is equivalent to about 5 per cent. on current average retail prices; the precise effect will depend on market forces at the time.