HC Deb 01 April 1974 vol 871 cc860-1
12. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will investigate retail prices for milk charged in motorway service areas.

Mr. Alan Williams

I have seen my hon. Friend's correspondence. If he has any further information he wishes to bring to my attention, I will gladly consider it.

Mr. Whitehead

I am most grateful for the action the Department took about a particular motorway caterer who was charging well over twice the recommended retail price for a pint of milk, as will be my constituents who raised the matter. Will my hon. Friend keep under continuous review the pricing policy of motorway caterers since they are operating in monopoly conditions of public franchise?

Mr. Williams

My Department will certainly keep a review of prices where that is possible. However, it is a physical impossibility for the Department to see every individual price movement throughout the country and, therefore, we are most grateful to hon. Members who, like my hon. Friend, bring these extortionate prices to our attention.

Mr. Watkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that both the prices and the services provided in motorway service areas vary enormously throughout the country? Should there not be a full-scale investigation of what is often a most unsatisfactory service?

Mr. Williams

As one who uses these service areas when travelling with my family, I share my hon. Friend's concern. If he has evidence to put before me, I shall be glad to see it.