§ 23. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the factors which he takes 449 into account when assessing the increase in retail food prices over a given period.
§ Mr. PeartAny assessment of retail prices I have given is based on figures compiled by the Ministry of Labour.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, following a reply given to me on 23rd November by the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, to the effect that the increase in the retail food prices between 1964 and 1966 represented an increase in expenditure of about 7s. 6d. per week on average for a family of four, a poll of housewives revealed their general opinion that the rise was nearer 12s. a week? What does he think of that?
§ Mr. PeartMy hon. Friend said that the average price of food for a family of four rose 7s. 6d. per week between the third quarter of 1964 and the third quarter of 1966. The average expenditure on food went up by an additional 2s. 6d. a week because people ate more.