§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will tabulate by tables the complaints received by his Department from the public about rising prices in response to his statement of 12th September; what replies have been sent; and what action has been taken to investigate each complaint.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe First Secretary's statement of 12th September requested members of the public first to press the supplier for an explanation of any price increases, and then to take the matter up with the Government Department with knowledge of the industry or trade concerned if unconvinced by the reason given. Since then, over 6,000 complaints have been received by various Departments. Many of these were first sent to the Department of Economic Affairs, and subsequently transferred to the correct Department. These Departments have acknowledged all such letters and in those cases where the increase complained of does not seem justified have taken the matter up with the trader concerned.