§ 29. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with fertiliser manufacturers in relation to price increases made after assurances given to the contrary by the manufacturers.
§ Mr. StodartThe assurances which the principal manufacturers gave in March related to list prices and I am satisfied, from the consultations which our officials have had, that they have been honoured.
§ Mr. FarrIs my hon. Friend aware that the feeling persists that by cutting rebates and discounts manufacturers have put up their prices to quite a marked degree to the detriment of the customer?
§ Mr. StodartThere is a distinct difference, which is not always realised, between a rebate and a discount. Rebates have been maintained as well as the list prices. Discounts have not been maintained because of the different circumstances prevailing last year as opposed to the previous year. But, if it is any consolation to my hon. Friend, I should like to point out that prices are not up nearly as much as they were originally thought to be.