HC Deb 02 March 1973 vol 851 c449W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the prices of Swedish and Polish bacon at wholesale and retail levels have changed since 1st January 1973.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

Prices of bacon by nationality of origin are not collected by the Ministry except for London Provision Exchange quotations for first-hand sales. The latter show that between 4th January and 1st March 1973 Polish bacon rose in price by £65 and £73 per ton and Swedish by £65 and £68 per ton for grades A1 and A respectively.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why, in view of his statement that the Government allowed food manufacturers to increase their prices because they were making losses, he agreed to price increases in bread and beer when the firms concerned were announcing profits over their previous year of activity.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My right hon. Friend has not agreed to increases in the price of either bread or beer since 6th November.