§ 21. Dame Irene Wardasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what companies, nationalised industries, manufacturers and retailers are having their increased prices investigated; and when he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlbuMy right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the President of the Board of Trade, have had a series of meetings with representatives of certain trade associations. My right hon. Friends the Ministers responsible for the nationalised industries are in close touch with these bodies. For the future, investigation of particular price increases will be the function of the Price Review Division of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ 22. Dame Irene Wardasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what additional itemised costs in production he has accepted as legitimate by manufacturers, nationalised industries and retailers for increased prices.
§ Mr. AlbuThe question whether an increase in any particular item of costs justifies an increase in a particular price will need to be judged in the light of the criteria which, as my right hon. Friend announced on 11th February, we are proposing to formulate after further consultations and discussions in the National Economic Development Council.
§ 32. Mr. Will Griffithsasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State 240W for Economic Affairs whether he proposes to introduce legislation for controlling prices.
§ 47. Mr. Parkasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will place before the Prices Review Division of the National Board of Prices and Incomes all current increases in prices charged by both nationalised and privately owned enterprises.
§ Mr. AlbuNo, but it is our intention to select particular cases to be examined in the light of all relevant considerations.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what steps he is taking to expedite the establishment of price review machinery; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlbuI would refer the hon. Member to the statement my right hon. Friend made on 11th February.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what representations he has received from the Housewives League and other organisations against the increases in food prices recently imposed by manufacturers and subsequently by most retailers; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. AlbuNone from the Housewives' League. But many other organisations have drawn our attention to particular price increases and offered their support for the Government's efforts to stabilise prices. The replies sent have indicated our firm intention to take all necessary action to slow down and halt this inflationary process.