§ 4. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Wales why he will not cease the present practice whereby his Department keeps under constant review the prices and charges for which he is responsible and initiate a system of monthly review 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. Peter ThomasSuch a change would not be worth while.
§ Mr. LewisThis is the usual evasive reply that we are getting from all the Departments. I thought the Welsh Office would be more progressive. Surely, if the Government are succeeding so well in carrying out their election promises, they should want to make monthly reports showing how they have been reducing prices or cutting them at a stroke. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman not at least try to start the ball rolling by operating this proposal in his own 984 Department? Who knows but that perhaps other Government Departments might follow suit.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy reply was in accordance with similar replies from other Government Departments. We have given it because it is considered that the present practice is more efficient.