HC Deb 31 May 1968 vol 765 cc298-9W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will make a statement on the Government's plans for reducing the cost of living.

Mr. Hattersley

The Government have made it plain that the retail price index is bound to rise during 1968 as a result of devaluation and the Budget measures designed to secure the full benefit of devaluation. But the Government are taking all possible steps to prevent price increases which are not fully justified against the criteria set out in Cmnd. 3590 and also to secure reductions in individual prices where the circumstances warrant this.