§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection (1) what were the average prices of one pound, two pound and five pound bags of rice in the shops, respectively, at 30th September, 31st December, 31st March and at the latest available date, respectively;
(2) whether she will ask the Price Commission to investigate increases in the price of rice during the period of potato shortage and take appropriate action.
§ Mr. MaclennanThis information is not available. However, data collected by the Department of Employment for the general Index of Retail Prices indicate that average rice prices have fallen since September 1975. I do not consider that there is any need for a Price Commission investigation in these circumstances.