§ 81. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that 300 complaints per week of unwarranted price increases are being referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes by members of the public, and that many of these relate to food price increases which the National Board for Prices and Incomes have to refer to his Department; what steps he has taken or intends to take to advise the public that complaints should be made to him; and what action has been taken on those so far referred.
§ Mr. HoyI understand that so far this year complaints to the National Board for Prices and Incomes about price increases have averaged 116 a week. Of these, an average of 18 a week relate to prices of food and drink. On several occasions in the past the public have been reminded that, failing satisfaction from the supplier, complaints about prices of food and drink should be referred to my Ministry; and we shall continue to use any suitable opportunity to make this clear. Unless the reason for the increase is already known to us (e.g. as a result of our early warning arrangements with 109W the leading food manufacturers) any complaints received are taken up with the supplier or manufacturer concerned.