§ 39. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many food price increases have been 162W made since November 1972; how many have been authorised by his Department; and what is the increase at the latest available date in the retail price index.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department does not keep detailed records of all food price movements.
My right hon. Friend has given consent to price increases in eight major food product groups sold generally to consumers; nine intermediate products not sold generally direct to consumers; and 31 specialised commodities made by individual manufacturers.
Between 14th November 1972 and 16th January 1973 the food index rose by 3.5 per cent.