HC Deb 02 February 1976 vol 904 cc949-50
12. Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether any Government legislation is planned which will affect the costs of distributors.

Mr. Maclennan

As far as my own Department is concerned, I am aware of no legislation which will increase distributors' costs.

Mr. Shaw

Surely the Secretary of State is a supporter of the Dock Work Regulation Bill. Since many trade associations have proved that the Bill will increase costs, does the Minister believe that it is within the Department's jurisdiction to support this measure? In view of the consumer protection angle, concerning food supplies, what is the Department planning to do about it?

Mr. Maclennan

I am aware of the strength of feeling about the possible implications of the scheme, but we should not anticipate the forthcoming proceedings on the Bill.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is a need for an inquiry into the whole problem of distribution, including the number of stages involved between the producer and the final consumer? If we cut out the unnecessary stages we should be able to reduce some of the excess profits that are being made.

Mr. Maclennan

I doubt whether the purposes that my hon. Friend has in mind would be served by a general inquiry into distribution, although there have been specific inquiries. One, for example, was conducted into the distribution of meat, and there is currently another into the distribution of fish, which should throw a light on to the points that my hon. Friend is making.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Has the Minister seen estimates that the extension of the dock labour scheme could add more than £1.5 million to the price of food? Does he accept that there is no reason for introducing this legislation that could be remotely in the interests of consumers?

Mr. Maclennan

I am aware that the legislation is controversial.