HC Deb 29 April 1965 vol 711 cc606-7
14. Mr. Peter Walker

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to keep down the price of books and technical periodicals.

Mr. Darling

The White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy sets out the considerations which should guide all concerned with prices. I see no reason at present for any special action with regard to books and technical periodicals, but the Board of Trade is in touch with the trade associations concerned in order to obtain further information about prices.

Mr. Walker

Does not the Minister consider that the fact that a number of regular Government publications have increased in price by 50 per cent. and that the postage for sending them has gone up by 33⅓ per cent. is a rather bad example for a prices policy?

Mr. Darling

These are matters that can be considered also.

Sir H. Butcher

Will the Minister look at the increase in prices recently made by the Stationery Office, and ask it to set an example?

Mr. Darling

Yes, Sir.