§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what study he has made of the increases in the average prices of British-made new cars over the last two years; how this compares with inflation over the same period; what estimates he makes of the effect of car price increases on home market sales in Great Britain in 1977 and 1978; what steps he is taking to control car prices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanWholesale prices for new passenger cars are provisionally estimated to have risen by 45 per cent. between December 1974 and December 1976. In the same period the Retail Price Index rose by 43.7 per cent. Increases in prices charged by British car manufacturers for sale on the home market are subject to control under the Price Code. It is for the manufacturers themselves to assess the impact of their pricing policies on their sales.