HC Deb 20 November 1972 vol 846 c288W
Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will bring in legislation to require the introduction of unit pricing.

Sir G. Howe

As my predecessor indicated during the consideration of my hon. Friend's Bill in July, and as I reiterated in the House last Thursday, we are not opposed to unit pricing in principle. I do, however, recognise that the system may have certain drawbacks, not least in terms of its cost to small retailers and those who deal with them, which it would be unrealistic to ignore. I am therefore currently seeking views from those engaged in voluntary unit pricing experiments in this country as well as looking at experience abroad so that I may reach an informed view.