§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy on increases in confectionery retail prices in relation to the incidence of Selective Employment Tax; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe Government's policy is set out in the White Paper on Productivity, Prices and Incomes Policy in 1968 and 1969 (Cmnd. 3590). This recognises that there may be some increases in prices as a result of increased taxation and other factors, but that these should do no more than cover the overall increases in costs. This policy224W applies to retail confectionery prices as to all others.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with confectionery and chocolate manufacturers following the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on confectionery prices; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesDiscussions are proceeding between my Department and representatives of the chocolate and sugar confectionery industry on the implications of the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the costs and prices of that industry.