§ 29. Mr. Pardoeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the percentage rise or fall over the last six months and the last 12 months in the average price for beef paid to farmers in United Kingdom cattle markets and the average price for beef paid by housewives in United Kingdom retail outlets.
§ Mrs. FennerThe following table shows the actual and percentage changes in producer prices for cattle and retail prices for beef between 17th October 1972, 17th April 1973 and 16th October 1973. The retail prices are those collected for the purposes of the Retail Food Price Index. The producer prices are calculated by weighting together liveweight prices at representative auction markets in Great Britain and deadweight prices at meat plants in Northern Ireland converted to a liveweight basis.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe provisions for grants and loans for fishing vessels run out at the end of this year. My colleagues and I have decided to ask Parliament to approve the extension of 161W these provisions for a further year. The necessary orders will be laid shortly.
Applications for grants and loans have recently been coming in much faster than ever before. This is encouraging. It shows the determination of the industry to create a modern and efficient fleet; but the number of approved proposals and new applications is now so great that it is clear that in many cases the work cannot be started for months or even years. This creates a number of problems. Among them is that of ensuring that the take-up of approvals is kept in line with the financial provision. My colleagues and I, after consultation with the WFA and HIB, which administer the relevant schemes, have therefore directed that no more approvals should be granted for the present, except for any improvement essentially directed to the safety of the vessel or crew. We shall lift this temporary moratorium as soon as acceptable arrangements can be worked out in consultation with the industry and the statutory bodies.