§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what changes in the wholesale price of cooking oils to fish and chip shops have taken place during 1974; and if she will take steps to reduce the price.
§ Mr. MaclennanSince the end of last year, the prices of cooking oils commonly used by fish and chip shops have risen by between 30 per cent. and 98 per cent., according to type. Most of the crude oils and fats from which these oils are 493W manufactured are imported, and the price increases are largely due to the substantial rise in world prices during 1973 following poor crops of the raw materials in some of the principal producing countries. These increases are, of course, outside this country's control.