HC Deb 23 July 1959 vol 609 c1493
15. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to maintain stability of value as well as price in computing costs of food and other items.

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend is carefully considering these matters in connection with new weights and measures legislation. Questions about the computation of the Index of Retail Prices are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, who, as the hon. Lady knows, does take variations of quantity into account.

Mrs. Mann

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many things which he does not take into account, as I discovered in two hours at his headquarters? How soon shall we get action to protect us from the sale of tubes which are getting thinner and packets whose weight is getting less, and how soon shall we get real price stability, which means weight stability?

Mr. Rodgers

As the hon. Lady knows, we have set up a Committee to look into the whole subject of consumer protection and a new weights and measures Bill is now being drafted.