§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why it is Government policy to allow private companies to make price changes in the light of market conditions, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government object when such companies give wage and salary increases in the light of market conditions.
§ Mr. RidleyIn the private sector, prices are determined by competitive 437W market forces whose effectiveness we are determined to maintain and where necessary to strengthen. Wages and salaries on the other hand are determined by a complex of many factors, not all of which are open to the free play of competition.