§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the price of cheese has risen since June 1970; what are the import figures from Australia, Canada and New Zealand taking the latest available figures as compared with 1970; and if he will make a statement on the effect of the Common Market variable levy on cheese.
§ Mrs. FennerThe Department of Employment's General Index of Retail Prices indicates that the average retail price of cheddar cheese increased by 13 .2 pence per lb. in the period June 1970 to June 1972. Since that date it has risen by less than 1p per lb. United Kingdom imports of cheese for the year ending September 1973 compared with the same period in 1969–70 are as follows:
In the same period there has been a 42 per cent. increase in home production of cheese. The retail price of cheddar cheese has remained virtually unchanged 381W since Common Market variable levies were introduced.
'000 tons 1969–70 1972–73 Australia 13.8 0.8 Canada 12.7 4.8 New Zealand 67.8 57.8 Other sources 61.1 86.7
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the reason for the retail price of cheddar-type cheese having risen by 78 per cent. since 18th June 1970; and whether any of the causes have been within the control of the Government.
§ Mrs. FennerAlmost the whole of the increase occurred in the two years ending June 1972 and was a reflection of the general shortage of milk products, a factor outside the Government's control.