HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 cc405-6
26. Mr. Peter Mills

asked die Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage increase in food prices due to the increased road taxation proposals.

Mr. John Mackie

For all goods, the charge would amount to only a fraction of 1 per cent, of the delivered prices. It is not possible to estimate what the effects might be on retail food prices.

Mr. Mills

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Transport Bill, in spite of what he says, will cause quite unnecessary increases in the price of food? Will he also bear in mind that in my opinion this is the most ridiculous piece of legislation that has ever come before the House, and will he ask the Minister of Transport to withdraw it?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Mackie

I think that the answer to that would just be, "No, Sir".

Mr. John Wells

In the Answer that the hon. Gentleman gave, was he taking account of the probable increase in the prices of horticultural produce, which will go up very considerably as a result of the measures contaned in the Transport Bill?

Mr. Mackie

It includes all food prices.