§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, in view of the fact that hair salon prices are to rise by 10 per cent. to 15 per cent. due to a wage increase in excess of the Government's 10 per cent. guideline, what action he has taken, or intends taking, to implement the guideline and prevent this increase; and to what extent these price increases will raise the cost of living.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe observance of the pay guidelines is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. Complaints about individual price increases should be directed to the Price Commission. If the cost of hairdressing generally were to rise by 10 per cent., this would increase the RPI by one-fourteenth of 1 per cent.