HC Deb 10 December 1980 vol 995 cc390-1W
Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how beef producers' returns in Wales compare with prices paid to German, French, Dutch and Danish beef producers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Prices obtained by Welsh producers are reflected in the United Kingdom reference price for cattle. In the week ending 27 November 1980, the EEc reference prices which are the average all-cattle prices in member Sates were as follows:

per kilogram liveweight
Germany 78.37
Denmark 67.57
United Kingdom 68.64
France 77.28
Netherlands 68.09

The provisional average market price for the week commencing 24 November 1980 for fat cattle certified under the beef premium scheme in Wales is 71.15 p/kg/lw compared with the United Kingdom average of 72.64 p/kg/lw. In addition, a premium payment of 7.32 p/kg/lw is forecast.