§ 19. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will cease the present practice whereby his Department keep under constant review the prices and charges for which he has responsibility and initiate a system of monthly reviews of such prices and charges to enable him to show from month to month to what extent since June, 1970, the Government's policy of reducing prices and costs is operating so far as it affects his Departmental responsibilities; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. Monthly reviews would not be a sensible arrangement.
§ Mr. LewisSurely the Government want to publicise the fact that each month they are bringing prices down and cutting the cost of living. Surely one of the most progressive Ministers in the Government would like to participate in this by giving monthly accounts showing how prices are being reduced because of his activities. This is a wonderful suggestion which I should think he would take up.
§ Mr. ChatawayI hate to turn down all the hon. Gentleman's suggestions. Apart from postal tariffs, of which there are a large number, I am directly responsible for the fees of 80 main types of broadcasting and other radio licences. To review all those every month would not be a worthwhile activity.