HC Deb 01 April 1974 vol 871 cc861-3
13. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will take steps to prohibit the practice of supermarkets whereby marked prices of goods already in stock are increased whilst they remain in stock; and if she will make a statement.

16. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what steps she proposes to take to prohibit the practice of marking-up the prices of retail goods already in stock.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I intend to introduce an amendment to the price code. This will restrict the extent to which goods displayed for retail sale can be repriced because the cost of replacement stocks has increased.

Mr. Adley

May I express my gratitude to the Secretary of State for attempting to deal with this infuriating problem? Will she look at the whole question of supermarkets? Is she aware that the increase in the number of supermarkets has gone hand in hand with the increase in shoplifting? A lot of supermarkets means a lot of large lorries trying to get into small places in small towns. In towns like Christchurch supermarkets are beginning entirely to change the shape of the area. Will the right hon. Lady consider an interdepartmental inquiry to examine the whole question of the effect of supermarkets on towns?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Member has raised a very wide question. I know that he has been interested in the question of shoplifting for a long time. I am prepared certainly to discuss with the trade ways in which goods may be laid out so as to discourage shoplifting. Shoplifting is often a tragedy for a family and shops sometimes lend themselves to the commission of the crime.

Mr. Lipton

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that supermarkets abandon the nasty habit of putting little stick-on labels on goods and instead mark the price on the package in indelible ink?

Mrs. Williams

This will be part of our proposal for legislation. It is against exactly such practices that we intend to introduce legislation.

Mr. Hunt

I welcome the right hon. Lady's proposed action in the matter. Is she aware, however, that some retailers are unhappy about the amount of time she has allowed for consultation on her document? In fairness to all concerned, would she be prepared to extend the deadline a little after 9th April?

Mrs. Williams

I understand that the hon. Gentleman called for urgent action on the matter. He will appreciate, therefore, that there must be a term to consultation, but we can discuss the mechanics, as distinct from the principles, for a longer period.

Mr. Channon

Are the remarks attributed to the right hon. Lady's Department accurately reported? It is said that the plan to stop the overstamping of grocery price labels will make no difference to prices, as the new rule would merely force grocers to pull off the first label before sticking on a new one. That statement is attributed to her Department. Is that correct?

Mrs. Williams

It is not strictly correct. We are talking about goods on display, because in some cases, of which I think the wine trade is the best example, goods are kept in stock for a long period and increase in value while in stock. That is the sort of thing we have to discuss, and intend to discuss, with the trade.