§ Mr. Randallasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware of a recent decision of certain book publishers to increase book prices in excess of the average which the Publishers' Association advised chief librarians would occur in the financial year 1965–66, and that some increases range from 11 per cent. to 40 per cent.; and if he will refer the matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. William RodgersWe understand that the Publishers' Association, at the end of last year, supplied librarians with their estimate of the average increase in publishers prices that might be expected over 1965. Individual publishers, of course, determine their own prices and these will vary above and below this average. On this information alone, we do not consider that there is a case for reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.