§ 24. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in view of recent increases in charges by laundries, whether he will introduce legislation in this session to control such charges.
§ Mr. RidleyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. KaufmanIn view of the recent 44 per cent. price increase in laundry charges by one of the country's largest chains of laundries and dry cleaners, is it not time the Government stopped bleating about claims for increased wages and did something about price increases, which are not claimed but imposed unilaterally?
§ Mr. RidleyThe hon. Gentleman may remember that the National Board for Prices and Incomes investigated this industry and came to the conclusion that prices were too low to provide a margin for sufficient research and investment into plant for the future. I have no wish to interfere with the proper operation of the profit motive in this respect.