HC Deb 23 May 1975 vol 892 cc653-4W
Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, in comparing the cost of food in the EEC with that available outside, what weighting is attached to cereal prices in reaching conclusions about the overall effect of EEC membership on food prices in Great Britain.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The latest estimate of the effect of membership on food prices shows that at present membership is having no significant effect overall, and in the first quarter of 1975 was responsible for a slight reduction in food prices. The estimate of the effect on cereals prices has been one of significant savings. The weighting attached to cereals prices is related to the annual volume of grains used directly for human consumption in the United Kingdom.