§ Mr. R. Edwardsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that many manufacturers have increased the price of soft drinks by double the amount allowed for in the Budget proposals; and whether he will take powers to ensure that the increase in the price of such drinks following the Budget is not excessive.
Mr. VaneI am aware that some manufacturers have increased the price of soft drinks by more than the amount arising from the Budget proposals, but I understand that they were already contemplating a price increase for other reasons before the Purchase Tax announcement.