§ 116. Sir R. Aclandasked the Minister of Food how many applications have been made in the last 12 months to his Department by private traders or associations of private traders for permission 117W to charge increased maximum prices, or increased maximum trading margins; how many of these applications have been refused, how many agreed to, and how many agreed to in modified form; and if he has estimates of how much the extra cost to the consumer would have been if those which have been refused or agreed in modified form had been agreed in full.
§ Mr. F. WilleyA considerable number of applications for increased maximum prices or trading margins have been received in the last 12 months. I cannot, however, give the details requested by my hon. Friend because when increases in the prices of materials or operating costs seem likely to affect prices or margins, the position is examined whether representations are received or not and I cannot relate increases to particular claims. But my hon. Friend may be assured that the potential cost of the claims I receive very greatly exceeds the increases allowed.