HL Deb 14 October 1975 vol 364 cc869-70WA
The Duke of MARLBOROUGH

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) what was the total quantity of milk produced in the United Kingdom during—
    1. (a) the twelve months ending 31st August 1973.
    2. (b) the twelve months ending 31st August 1974.
    3. (c) the twelve months ending 31st August 1975.
  2. (2) the average price paid to the producers during those periods;
  3. (3) the average price paid by the consumers during those periods; and
  4. (4) the average price paid for one ton of nitrogen fertiliser during those periods.

Lord BESWICK

The figures are as follows:

  1. (1) The total sales through Milk Marketing Boards were:
    1. (a) the twelve months ending 31st August 1973–2,988 million gallons.
    2. (b) the twelve months ending 31st August 1974–2,909 million gallons.
    3. (c) the twelve months ending 31st August 1975‴2,855 million gallons.
  2. (2) The average price paid to the producers during those periods were:
    1. (a) 20.18 pence per gallon.
    2. (b) 23.48 pence per gallon.
    3. (c) 28.34 pence per gallon.
    Source: Milk Marketing Boards.
    3. 870
  3. (3) The average price paid by the consumers during those periods were:
    1. (a) 5.5 pence per pint.
    2. (b) 5.1 pence per pint.
    3. (c) 5.5 pence per pint.
    These prices are weighted averages for these periods and relate to ordinary pasteurised milk.
  4. (4) Following the ending of the fertiliser subsidy the Ministry no longer has available on a regular basis information on prices paid by farmers for fertilisers. However, the best estimate we have of the trend in manufacturers' prices for straight nitrogen (34.5 per cent. N) fertilisers is:
August 1972 … … 100.0
August 1973 … … 107.3
August 1974 … … 142.4
August 1975 … … 155.8
Such an index does not of course take into account changes in distribution costs or changes in the discounts which are available to farmers.