§ 48. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that, during the 735 period of the Government's wages and prices standstill initiated in July, 1966, many prices charged in the catering departments have increased in price and that outside food prices and wages remained stable; and, in view of the fact that internally no increases in rates, electricity charges or labour charges could account for these increases, whether he will refer them to the National Board for Prices and Incomes for investigation and report.
§ Mr. HoyWe are aware that during the standstill and period of severe restraint many caterers found it necessary to put up prices since they were faced with extra costs, in particular the Selective Employment Tax, within the criteria of the White Papers. Price increases which seemed unreasonable have been investigated. We see no grounds for referring this industry to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. LewisI expected that reply. No doubt, it is due to the fact that the Question is perhaps not as clear as it should have been.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Question please.
§ Mr. LewisIs my hon. Friend aware that, by virtue of the reference to the fact that there have been no internal increases in rates, electricity charges and the rest, I am referring to the catering departments here? As no wage increase has been given to the staff, although they richly deserve one, and no other increases in costs have been incurred, why have prices gone up by 200 or 300 per cent.?
§ Mr. HoyIf my hon. Friend got the answer he expected, he will not have been disappointed. But perhaps his Question would be better put to the Chairman of the Catering Committee.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. No special privilege.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.