§ Q7. Mr. John Fraserasked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received since 18th June, 1970 on Her Majesty's Government's policy in relation to competition.
§ The Prime MinisterWhile the precise number could only be established at disproportionate cost, it is unlikely to have exceeded a dozen.
§ Mr. FraserOn the issue of competition, is the Prime Minister aware that, despite competitive policy, every petrol price went up within about an hour of his speaking on competition last time, that cigarette prices, where there is competition, are going up this week, and that 3,000 food prices have gone up since 18th June? Would he refer the centre pages of today's Daily Mirror to his inter-disciplinary circus with a view to seeing what difference competition can make to that?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of what the hon. Gentleman is referring to, but I am surprised that he has the nerve to mention it in this House when his Government deliberately encouraged a policy of wage inflation, the consequences of which are now being seen.