§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will reconsider the phasing out of consumer subsidies in view of the accelerating character of inflation.
§ Mr. MaclennanI fully appreciate the concern which is felt generally about rising prices, and my right hon. Friend has recently announced proposals for maintaining a system of price control in the future, as part of the Government's policy to combat inflation. However, in view of the need to reduce public expenditure, which plays a key rôle in that policy, I regret that we cannot afford more money for consumer subsidies.