HC Deb 07 February 1974 vol 868 cc363-4W
21. Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what figure of cost increases is being taken into account in the current Price Review discussions; and what percentage of change this represents on the previous year.

27. Sir Robin Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the percentage increase in the price of feeding stuffs since the last annual Price Review; and what action he proposes to take to minimise the losses at present being suffered by dairy and pig farmers.

Mr. Godber

These are matters currently under discussion at the annual review and hon. Members will appreciate that it has never been the practice to anticipate its outcome.

22. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the price reviews.

44. Mr. David James

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he hopes to publish the annual price review.

Mr. Godber

I hope to announce the determinations before the end of this month.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is meant by the expression "further reductions in production grants and subsidies to be decided upon following the 1974 Annual Review" in paragraph 6 on page 30 of Command Paper No. 5519.

Mr. Godber

On 21st May my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced forecast cuts in public expenditure. The agricultural proportion of this was left for consideration at this year's annual review. This is currently taking place and I cannot speculate on the outcome.