§ 35. Mr. Shinwellasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what progress he has made in the reduction and stabilisation of prices of household consumer goods and foodstuffs.
§ Mr. George BrownUntil the National Board for Prices and Incomes is in operation it is difficult to give a precise assessment. I am glad to say, however, that as a result of my appeal, a number of traders have reduced or stabilised their prices.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the stabilisation, if not the reduction, of prices is of vital importance? Can he give the House an assurance that he will make a progress report from time to time?
§ Mr. BrownYes, indeed. I thank my right hon. Friend. When we have the Board established, one of the things in which it will help us, quite apart from what it does itself, is with evidence and facts which we can report to the House, and I shall be glad to make periodic reports.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIs it not the fact that the reductions in price which have occurred in this sector have been entirely due to the elimination of resale price maintenance by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bexley (Mr. Heath) and, further, that the party opposite did its best to avoid taking any decisions when this whole matter was before the House?
§ Mr. BrownWith respect, it is not true. If the hon. Gentleman will come and have a chat with me, I will show him how hard we had to struggle to get these prices down.