HC Deb 21 October 1971 vol 823 c177W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider taking steps to make it a requirement for the price in ounces or pounds to be indicated when foods are offered for sale.

Mr. Ridley

I appreciate that consumers might benefit by the marking of some foods with the price per unit weight. But we have no power to require it, and can hold out no hope of introducing legislation on this subject during the coming Session. We will, however, bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind when considering further legislation in this field. As the hon. Member will know, this is a complex subject and the benefits of unit pricing are by no means clear-cut on those foods, for example butter, sugar, etc., for which quantities are now prescribed by law.