§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the manufacturers of washing powders and detergents are reducing the price of their products by as much as 9d. per packet; and whether he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the prices charged by these firms in the previous year when taxes and costs were lower.
§ Mr. DellCertain washing powders have recently been offered by the manufacturers in special bargain packs. Such temporary offers are a form of sales promotion: they do not represent permanent price reductions. I do not think that a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would be appropriate.