§ Mr. Knoxasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, from information available from international sources, what was the average producer return from cattle expressed in £ sterling per live hundredweight in the European Economic Community during the year ended 30th June, 1971; and how this compares with the average return in the United Kingdom market.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartDirect comparisons are not possible because of differences in qualities and definitions, but the following figures for the year ending 31st March, 1971, give some indication of the relative price levels in the EEC and the United Kingdom:
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£ per live cwt. 1970–71 (July-June) EEC Average market price for cattle: Good quality 15.31–17.49 Medium quality 12.16–14.67 1970–71 (April-March) United Kingdom Average total return for fat cattle (including unit subsidy) 11.64 Source: EEC: Prix Agricoles 1971 Nr 12. United Kingdom: Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees 1972, Cmnd. 4928. United Kingdom producers under the Fatstock Guarantee Scheme in each fat-stock year from 1965–66 onwards; and what were the highest and lowest weekly average total returns received by United Kingdom producers in each of those years.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe information is as follows: