§ Mr. Sheldonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he intends to take to ensure that wholesalers and retailers pass on, in full, price 21W reductions arising from price fluctuations due to seasonal or external causes.
§ Sir G. HoweWe are watching the situation carefully and will be ready to take up, with importers, manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers, cases where reductions seem justified for these reasons and such action has not already been taken.
§ Mr. Sheldonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he will be taking to prevent increases in cash margins during the standstill period by wholesalers and retailers.
§ Sir G. HoweThe Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Act gives the Government full powers to prevent unjustified price rises during the standstill period. Where there is evidence of an unreasonable increase in cash margins we will be prepared to take appropriate action.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he is aware that of the 70 cases of breach of the freeze, more than half have reduced their prices as a result of approaches from his Department; and what has happened in the other cases;
(2) how many notices requiring the application of the standstill he has issued in respect of the 30 retailers and companies who refused to suspend price increases introduced after the start of the freeze on 6th November.
§ Sir G. HoweNo notices have been issued. Further action will be taken so far as necessary to secure compliance with the standstill.