§ 34. Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet considered Report No. 165 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes relating to prices, profits and costs in food distribution; and if he will make a statement concerning his policy thereon.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy right hon. Friend has studied this report. The board's main conclusion is that the pressure of competition in the grocery trade has been effective in promoting efficiency in the Whole process of distribution and in raising the standards of food retailing, and that such pressure also acts to keep profits at a level which is not excessive. He was glad to have this affirmation of the Government's view that effective competition is the best safeguard of consumer interests.