Calves

Mr. Hardy
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the average price obtained per calf in January 1977 and in the same month during the previous six years.

Mr. Bishop
An average price for all calves is not meaningful because of the considerable variation in price for individual animals that arises from differences of breed, sex, age and quality. The following information relates to first and second quality rearing calves—not more than three weeks old—of the main categories sold at 42 selected markets in England and Wales:

Meat and meat preparationsDairy products and eggsFruit and vegetablesAnimal feedingstuffsTractor and tractor partsHides and skinsWool and animal hair.

Source: Her Majesty's Customs Tabulation Sheets.