HC Deb 14 November 1974 vol 881 cc197-8W
37. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the weekly average price of fat cattle paid to farmers per live hundredweight during the last four weeks; whether he is satisfied that the producer is getting a fair return; and when he expects the figure to reach the £18 per live hundredweight promised by him on 17th July.

Mr. Bishop

Our views on present market problems and on the need for action were made clear to the House in the debate on 31st October and in replies to Questions on 7th November—[Vol. 880, c. 406–414 and 1216–1217]—The assurance which my right hon. Friend gave on 26th June was that over a period producers' returns would not drop below about £18 per live cwt. for clear quality cattle. The level of market prices depends upon many factors and it is not possible to forecast future prices with any precision.

The average market prices of certified cattle in the United Kingdom during the last four weeks are as follows:

Week commencing Price * (£ per live cwt.)
13th October 13.11
20th October 12.80
27th October 12.79
3rd November 13.33

Source: MLC Weekly Market Survey.

* Price excludes value of Beef Premium, currently £20.94 per head.

Mr. Jopling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will compare present prices received by the United Kingdom beef producers with those received by producers in France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Mr. Bishop

Prices for beef producers are not separately available. The figures below are weighted average prices for all cattle sold in representative markets in each of the countries mentioned. For the week ending 7th November 1974 these are:

Cattle (£ per live cwt.)
Belgium 21.65
France 23.09
Italy 23.08
Luxembourg 21.07
Netherlands 19.15
West Germany 21.11
Denmark 19.35
Republic of Ireland 11.36
United Kingdom 11.95

(Source: EEC Commission)

Although these prices are indicative of those received by producers in each of the countries concerned they do not provide a firm basis for comparison between member States because of the wide range of marketing conditions, grades of cattle and currency fluctuations, all of which affect the actual level of returns to producers.