§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the details from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, showing that over 100 articles have increased in price due to adjustments connected with decimalisation; and whether he will meet a deputation of housewives led by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, to consider this evidence and to ascertain what action can be taken to prevent these practices growing in the next few weeks.
§ Mr. HigginsWe have not yet received any such details but I warmly welcome the campaigns for fair price conversions by housewives and the press. As I informed the hon. Member in answer to a question on 6th November the Decimal Currency Board will continue to remind traders that decimalisation need lead to no overall increase in price levels and to urge the use of the Shoppers Table for retail price conversion wherever practicable. If a shopper thinks a decimal price is wrong she should ask the retailer for an explanation. If she is not satisfied she should make it clear that she is taking her custom elsewhere. Vigilance, publicity and competition are the best safeguards.