§ 1. Mr. Molloyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in his forthcoming legislation, he will propose re-establishing a consumer protection council.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Prior)I have no such proposal in prospect.
§ Mr. MolloyWith respect the right hon. Gentleman ought to have. Is he aware that despite the cuts in sugar and 1316 milk prices these commodities are still higher in price than they were in 1970, the infamous promise notwithstanding? Is he further aware that there has been a considerable rise in the prices of a vast range of household goods and commodities? Does he not think that people are entitled to value and that no trader with confidence in his goods would object to the establishment of a consumer council?
§ Mr. PriorI never thought that the consumer council had done anything to bring prices down. As for the party opposite, it never did anything at all.
§ Mr. BuchanWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that reply? He has an opportunity in the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to bring in such a council and we will support it. Is he aware that if he brings in such a council to deal with prices, he will discover that the cut in sugar prices for example has led in some cases to sweet prices being increased by 200 per cent. to 300 per cent?
§ Mr. PriorI had thought that hon. Gentlemen opposite would welcome a reduction in the price of food but they do not seem to do so.