§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will request the Price Commission to institute an inquiry into the price of baby foods; and if she will make a statement on the recent increase in the price of baby foods and their effect on the cost of living index.
§ Mr. MaclennanI see no need for an inquiry. The major manufacturers already have to pre-notify intended price increases to the Price Commission. Recent price rises for baby foods resulted mainly from increases in raw materials and labour costs. The effect on the retail price index has not yet been felt but would be minimal. The recent agreement with the food trade includes powdered baby milks in the list of items to be on continuous offer at reduced prices and other baby-infant foods among the products on which 59W manufacturers will concentrate their promotional activity.