HC Deb 15 January 1974 vol 867 cc44-5W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full and detailed list of as many foods as possible which rose in price during the calendar year 1973 and the price of these items as at 31st December 1972 and 31st December 1973, respectively.

Mrs. Fenner

I will write to the hon. Member when information for the full calendar year 1973 becomes available shortly.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that during 1973 the average price of eggs and margarine more than doubled ; and what action he has taken or intends taking to prevent a repetition of this in 1974.

Mrs. Fenner

Margarine prices rose only by about 1p per ½-lb. packet between January and November 1973, the latest month for which information is available, due mainly to increased prices for imported vegetable oils and oilseeds.

The factors which caused the rise in egg prices in 1973 should not affect the market in the same way in 1974, when some reduction in egg prices may be expected.