31. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many price increases were recorded between 18th June 1970 and 28th February 1974.
§ Mr. MaclennanI regret I am unable to supply a figure as statutory price controls were not introduced until November 1972, and not all price increases since then are recorded centrally.
Mr. EvansCan my hon. Friend give an approximate figure? The figures which were released earlier indicated that approximately 30,000 price increases had been brought about in the early years of the previous Government. Bearing 869 in mind that staggering figure, will my hon. Friend ensure that the Government continue as they have started by maintaining food subsidies and using other means to ensure that housewives get a better deal?
§ Mr. MaclennanI should like to be able to help my hon. Friend. As I have explained, the fact that we have not recorded the price scales means that any figure which we gave would necessarily be an approximation and not very helpful. My right hon. Friend has my hon. Friend's latter point much in mind and will act on his suggestion.
§ Mr. BurdenWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House how much the price of petrol has gone up today as a direct consequence of the Government's action?
§ Mr. MaclennanAs my right hon. Friend has explained, that question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.