§ Q1. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint an expert on food prices to the Central Policy Review Staff.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)As I have said before, I do not intend to appoint to the Central Policy Review Staff members with responsibility for specified subjects.
§ Mr. JannerDoes not the Prime Minister consider that an exception should be made in the case of food prices because of the continuing scandalous increase which is borne most by those least able to bear it? What does he propose to do to bring some fairness into this branch of the economy?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not accept the hon. and learned Gentleman's argument about the CPRS. The scandalous situation to which he refers is brought about by world supply and demand, and those who need most help—in other words, the pensioners—have been given it.
§ Miss Joan HallIs the Prime Minister satisfied that in households where there have been wage increases averaging, apparently, 45 per cent. since June 1970, and where the housewife does most of 1166 the shopping, the wage increase has been passed on pro rata to the housewife?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend has a point, but whichever answer I gave would be wrong.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettWill it be possible for a member of the public or a Member of Parliament to check with the Price Commission whether a manufactured food price has been increased without the permission of the commission?
§ The Prime MinisterThat was dealt with in the debate yesterday. A member of the public can ask a firm for the answer.