§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the retail price of butter per lb. in Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Holland and France on Saturday, 24th June, 1972; whether he can now say to what extent on Great Britain's entry into the Common Market the price of butter 160W is expected to rise or fall to the consumer; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartRetail prices of butter in Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Holland and France on Saturday, 24th June, 1972 are not available. In view of differences in quality and definition, precise comparisons can not be made, but the following official quotations are the latest available for some broadly similar types of butter.
Type Pence per lb. 1972 United Kingdom New Zealand 29.7 May Belgium Dairy 44 May West Germany Not specified 43 March Netherlands Dairy 41½ April France Slab dairy 45½ April Sources
United Kingdom—Department of Employment.
Belgium—Moniteur Belge.
West Germany—Preise Löhne Wirtschaftrech-nungen Reihe 6.
Netherlands—Prijsindexcijfers van de Gesin-consumptie.
France—Bulletin Mensuel de Statistique.
The retail price of butter on the United Kingdom market is not expected to show a significant change immediately after the date of accession.