§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will now lay down a standard price for a standard loaf of bread, to be charged universally irrespective of geographic location, to overcome current discrimination in bread prices against such areas where lack of competition allows the wholesaler to charge the retailer higher prices than could otherwise be justified.
§ Mr. John FraserThe costs of producing and distributing a standard loaf of bread must be expected to vary considerably between different areas and shops. A standard price for such bread6W would inevitably either be higher than was necessary in some circumstances or be so low that its sale would be unprofitable in other circumstances. I do not, therefore, think that the hon. Member's suggestion would be in the interests of consumers generally.