§ 9. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what machinery he has with regard to increases in price of goods sold direct from manufacturers to retailers; and if he will refer such recent increases in the furniture trade to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. George BrownAny price increase may be referred for investigation by the National Board for Prices and Incomes. I am not convinced at present that prices in the furniture trade should be referred to the Board.
§ Mrs. ButlerIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is the usual practice of furniture manufacturers at the beginning of every year to recommend new prices at which goods should be sold in shops and that some of those items are increased this year by as much as £5 on an item of furniture costing £25, which is quite large? Will he look at this matter again?
§ Mr. BrownWe had a close look at it, but I am quite willing to look at it again. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send to me the sort of evidence which she has in mind and to which she has ready access. I am quite willing to consider it.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that much the best weapon to attack this kind of price increase was the ending of resale price maintenance?
§ Mr. BrownIt has not yet ended in this industry. It will be rather interesting to see what happens when it does.