asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price, in pounds sterling, a pound of butter, a pound of beef, a litre of wine and a ton of grain is sold by the European Commission to the Soviet Union; and if he will make a statement.

The most recent prices (in sterling terms) at which these commodities would have been made available to traders for bulk sales to third countries including the USSR are as follows:

• Butter: 10p/lb
• Beef: bone in forequarters 32p/lb
• bone in hindquarters 49p/lb
• boneless cuts 38p to 59p/lb depending on the cut
• Wine: 5p/litre
• Cereals: £40–50 per tonne depending on type and quality

These prices are inclusive of export refunds and United Kingdom MCA's where applicable. With the exception of the cereals price which is the free on board price, they do not cover any transport, distribution or other costs. The prices at which these commodities are sold to the Soviet Union is a matter for the traders concerned.