§ Mr. John Garrettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what analysis her Department has carried out into the cost of living in rural areas.
§ Mr. MaclennanA study of food prices in outlying areas was recently carried out at my request by the Price Commission. The Commission's report—published on 4th December—found that on average prices in outlying areas were less than 3p in the pound above food prices elsewhere. This was because lower prices for some fresh foods partly offset higher prices for other foodstuffs. The principal factor in higher prices was found to be the low volume of trade of stores serving relatively small and scattered communities, although transport costs were high in some cases. Profits in both the wholesale and retail trade in these areas were found to be modest.