§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is aware of the practice of reducing the quantities in packets of merchandise, thereby increasing the purchase price of the article; and, as this is contrary to the Government's policy of a standstill on prices, what action he proposes to take to prevent this practice.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes. If the quantity is reduced without a reduction in price, this would be contrary to the requirements of the standstill. Any proposal to increase prices in this way should therefore be notified to the appropriate Government Department in accordance with paragraph 9 of Cmnd. 3073.