§ 22. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he will consider legislation to impose a six months' price freeze on certain essential goods.
§ Mr. HattersleyNo. A price freeze would prevent firms in both public and private sectors from recovering unavoidable cost increases, with damaging consequences for jobs and investment. Existing prices policy enables the Price Commission to consider whether specific price increases are justified and to make recommendations to me for restrictions, if appropriate.