HC Deb 28 June 1979 vol 969 cc330-1W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the expected increase in cost of cattle food per tonne consequent on the two price changes recently agreed by the EEC Council of Ministers and the approximate increase of cost to United Kingdom dairy and other livestock farmers, respectively.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

As a result of decisions taken by the EEC Council of Ministers last week, the intervention price of cereals will rise on 1 August by £5.55. Though a typical dairy nut for cattle feed might contain 70 per cent. cereals and cereal by-products, the price would not be much affected until cereal prices dropped to near intervention levels, and is much more likely to be affected by the size and quality of our own harvest.