§ Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if, in view of the persistent practice of many traders overstamping and increasing prices, he will take any further steps to overcome this practice.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe Government have already introduced provisions to this end. Paragraph 37 of the Price Code (S.I. 1977 No. 1272) states that, with limited exceptions, retailers should not increase the prices of goods that are or have been displayed for sale by reference to increases in replacement costs, even if such price increases would otherwise be permitted by the code.
If my hon. Friend has particular cases in mind I will ask the Prime Commission to look into them.