HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1697-8
9. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from women's organisations in Scotland about increases in food prices; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. John Mackie

We have received four representations, concerning grocers' delivery charges and the prices of grapefruit, milk, bakers' goods, and beer.

After the necessary investigations, the correspondents were told the reasons for the increases and that there appeared to be no breach of the Government's policy.

Mr. Eadie

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he not agree that there is price exploitation in various guises? If local authorities were to co- ordinate their statutory functions, for example, through their weights and measures departments, with consumer protection associations and ratepayers' protection associations, could not that help in this problem?

Mr. Mackie

I do not disagree with the secondary suggestion but that is another question. In the four instances about which my hon. Friend questioned me we found that there was no breach of Government policy.

15. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many price increases have been notified to him under the early warning system; and how many have been proceeded with.

Mr. Peart

Since 20th July last year, 215 notifications of price increases had been received by my Department; 86 of these were accepted as notified, and a further 72 notifications after modification. Eleven have been agreed for implementation after 30th June.

My information suggests that the great majority of the price increases covered by these notifications which have been approved have now been implemented.

Mr. Biffen

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figure, which I think I heard correctly was 215, represents all the price increases which have taken place in those goods which were listed as being conditional on early warning to his Department before any increase could take place?

Mr. Peart

I can give the hon. Member a full breakdown: 86 approved as notified; 72 approved after modification; 11 approved for implementation after 30th June; 10 withdrawn or lapsed; 25 rejected; and 11 under consideration.

Mr. Lipton

Can my right hon. Friend say in how many cases he has dissuaded food manufactures from embarking upon food price increases at all?

Mr. Peart

I have given the figure which indicates this.