§ 91. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Technology if he will refer the increase in the price of mercury hearing-aid batteries from 1 s. 10d. to 2s. 9d. to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to open a Government factory in a development area to manufacture mercury hearing-aid batteries, in view of the need for competition to restrain excessive increases in the price charged to people suffering from hearing disability.
§ Mr. Benn:My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade would be prepared to consider an application under the local employment acts for assistance towards the establishment of such manufacture in a development area but I do not consider that a Government operated factory for this purpose would be justified.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Technology what was the date when the price of 1.4 volt-RM675H mercury batteries for hearing aids was last increased; and what was the percentage of that increase.