§ Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what methods he intends before July to ensure the maximum beneficial effect on the cost of living from the reduction in selective employment tax.
§ Mr. HigginsI have asked my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Minister of Agriculture to draw the attention of those concerned to the scope for passing on the benefit of the S.E.T. cut to the consumer. But the most important factor here will be the effect of competition and this has already led to a number of retailers making early announcements of price reductions.