HC Deb 19 February 1987 vol 110 cc786-7W
36. Mr. Franks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state, for 1986, the rise in the retail prices index and the rise in the price of food during the same period.

60. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state, for 1986, the rise in the retail prices index and the rise in the price of food during the same period.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The increase in the retail prices index over the 12-month period to December 1986 was 3.7 per cent. The comparable increase for the food component of the retail prices index was 3.1 per cent.

37. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the European Commission's price proposals for 1987.

Mr. Gummer

We are studying the Commission's price proposals. In the course of negotiations on the proposals, I shall be seeking to make further progress on the reform of regimes in surplus or which involve excessive budgetary cost, and we shall be seeking an outcome which spreads the burden of reform fairly among all member states and does not discriminate against the United Kingdom.