§ Mr. Biffenasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs how many requests for investigation of prices or incomes have been made by the public direct to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and how many of these requests were subsequently referred to appropriate Government Departments for comment and action.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeSince April, 1965, the Board has received over 5,500 letters from the public. In its replies the Board makes it clear that it can only carry out 63W an inquiry at the request of the Government. Prior to September, 1966, it was the Board's practice to advise correspondents to which Government Department their comments should be addressed. Since that date the Board has, after acknowledgement, passed the letters to the appropriate Government Department, except where they relate to a reference which is before the Board.