§ 42. Mr. Spriggs asked the Minister of Technology what is the amount of increase in price of Mallory Hearing-aid Batteries RM401 H which has operated since 1st January, 1968; and what percentage increase this represents over the previous price.
§ Mr. BennAccording to the appendix to Report No. 64 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes (Cmnd. 3625) the recommended retail price of the battery RM401 H was 2s. 4d. before 1st January, 5W 1968, and 4s. 2d. afterwards, a percentage increase of 78.6.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Technology what has been the average profit margin for the retail distributors of Mallory Batteries Limited during each of the past three years expressed in cash terms in respect of hearing-aid batteries RM675H and RM401H.
§ Mr. BennReport No. 64 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes makes clear that retail distributors percentage margins for Mallory hearing-aid batteries vary according to the channel of distribution, but are typically 25 per cent. of Mallory's recommended retail price. These have apparently remained unchanged, prior to 1968, for several years. The precise element of net profit in cash terms to retailers within these margins is not known: it is apparently the case that some retailers offer substantial discounts to consumers.