HC Deb 28 April 1975 vol 891 cc21-2W
23. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will publish in the Official Report a table showing which basic foods are cheaper than they would have been if the United Kingdom had been outside the EEC in the last two years.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for mid-Oxon (Mr. Hurd) on 17th March—[Vol. 888, c. 1127–8.]—taking account of EEC-financed subsidies, most imported cereals, including wheat, maize and barley, are cheaper than if we were not a member of the Community.

24. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what has been the average increase in retail food prices since October 1974.

Mr. Alan Williams

Between 15th October 1974 and 18th March 1975 the food index rose by 14.1 per cent.