§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will operate a system of spot checks to ensure that retailers are complying with the price freeze.
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§ Sir G. HoweThe vigilance of the general public, supported by the arrangements, made for monitoring prices, is playing an effective rôle in securing compliance with the standstill. We are investigating those cases where price rises appear unjustified. The prices unit has, in fact, received many more inquiries from businessmen, including retailers, who are anxious to stay within the rules, than complaints from the general public. If there are retailers who attempt to put up prices unjustifiably, they have to meet the competition from the great majority who do not.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT full details of the number and dates of price reductions that have taken place since June 1970 for which Her Majesty's Government accept ministerial responsibility.
§ Sir G. HoweNo.