§ 10. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to visit Hendon South to meet the Golders Green chamber of commerce to discuss the level of retail sales.
§ Mr. LamontI have no plans at present to visit the Golders Green chamber of commerce. To the best of my knowledge, I have received no such invitation. If I did so, however, I should be pleased to tell the chamber of commerce that the volume of retail sales in the three months to January has never been higher.
§ Mr. MarshallWelcome as the increase in retail sales is, does my right hon. Friend accept that the level of consumer confidence is still a fragile plant which could be anaesthetised for some months if VAT were imposed on food?
§ Mr. LamontI have noted my hon. Friend's comment.