§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what has been the average price of potatoes in 1976 and 1977; whether this fall continues to be reflected in the retail price of potato products such as crisps and fish shop chips; whether he remains satisfied with these figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe average retail price for potatoes was 12p per lb. in 1976 and 8p per lb. in 1977. On the price of potato crisps, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis) on 2nd December 1977.
Little information is available centrally about the prices of chips in fish and chip shops, which vary considerably between different shops. I understand, however, that there have been price reductions, although the friers face increased costs in other respects which are partly being borne on the price of chips. The Price Commission has powers to investigate particular price increases.