§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that talcum powder purchased at prices between £18 to £35 per ton is sold retail at prices between £345 to £27,238 per ton; and whether he will refer this to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyThe figures of £18 to £35 per ton refer to the cost of the crude raw material bought in bulk. They cannot be directly compared with the price of the finished product including, amongst other things, purchase tax. The N.B.P.I. examined manufacturers' prices of toilet preparations and120W reported on 3rd June, 1969. This report (No. 113) gave some facts on the relationship between material costs and retail prices. I do not think a further reference so soon would be appropriate.