§ 40. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development why, in view of the fact that one of the major reasons for high prices and the high cost of living is the high first cost charge made by a number of manufacturers for their products, and that the Monopolies Commission have supplied evidence to this effect, he will not give an assurance that before introducing legislation to abolish resale price maintenance he will take legislative action to control manufacturers' prices.
Mr. D. PriceNo. As a general rule, the interest of the consumer is best served by ensuring competitive conditions, not detailed regulation of individual prices.