§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Technology why, in view of the Government's policy of wage standstill and subsequent severe restraint and the fact that wages of the workers have not increased, he has permitted Fords and the British Motor Corporation to increase the prices of certain of their vehicles; and whether firms who purchase these vehicles will be able to pass these higher charges on to the end part of their products or services provided.
§ Mr. BennAs I explained to my hon. Friend on 1st February, the British Motor Corporation's proposals for increasing the prices of certain of their vehicles were justified against the criteria specified in the White Paper on the Period of Severe Restraint (Cmnd.3150). The more recent proposals of the Ford176W Motor Company were based on similar considerations.
As regards the second part of the Question, firms wishing to raise their charges during the period of severe restraint as a result of these price increases will be required to observe the same criteria.—[Vol. 740, c. 119.]