§ Mr. Robert Howarthasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the light of the undertakings given by manufacturers of detergents in April last year, following the Monopolies Commission report, he will make a statement about the recently announced increases in prices.
§ Mr. DarlingThe price increases have been considered against the background of the information available from the Monopolies Commission and Prices and Incomes Board reports. I am satisfied that they are fully accounted for by increased costs of production flowing directly from devaluation. The reduced price brands introduced last year following the Monopolies Commission report will still be available at about 20 per cent. below the prices of the more heavily promoted brands.