HC Deb 16 July 1976 vol 915 cc318-9W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she will monitor the effect of rising rents of retail premises on the prices of goods in the shops.

Mr. Maclennan

I understand that average shop rents have been rising more slowly in recent years than the Retail Price Index. The overall level of shop rents, as well as contributing to retailers' costs, is itself largely a reflection of the level of prices and profits in retailing.