§ Mr. Strawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what was (a) the average retail price per pound, and (b) the average wholesale price per pound of (i) EEC produced butter, and 710W development grant and (b) selective assistance to individual industries, firms and undertakings, in 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78, and 1978–79; and how many firms employing fewer than 200 people there were in the United Kingdom in each of those years.
§ Mr. David Mitchell,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 16 July 1979], gave the following answer:
Assistance has been made available as follows under the Industry Act 1972:
(ii) New Zealand butter in the weeks ending 15 June, 22 June, 29 June, 6 July and 13 July.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithInformation in the form requested by the hon. Member is not available. However, as my right hon. Friend told the House on 12 July, the leading supermarkets have informed us that retail prices of both Community and New Zealand butter are now, in most cases, at least 6p per pound lower than the level which prevailed before the higher rate of subsidy that my right hon. Friend negotiated took effect on 2 July. Wholesale prices would, of course, take account of the 6p per pound increase in the butter subsidy.