§ Mr. Milneasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what estimate he has made of the effect on prices of the removal of import charges on certain commodities on 1st December and if he will inquire into the extent to which companies reduce prices as a result.
§ Mr. William RodgersProvided that traders make full use of opportunities for 225W price reductions, or for offsetting cost increases elsewhere, afforded by the removal of the import surcharge, we would expect a small, but helpful effect on prices overall during the coming months.
As my hon. Friend said in reply to Questions on 1st December, we shall be keeping a close watch on developments.—[Vol. 737, c. 593–5.]