asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent the services of his Department are available for advising industries which are considering the necessity of increasing their prices as a result of increased costs and other relevant factors.

In the private sector the decision to alter prices is entirely one for companies to take in the light of market conditions. Except where competition appears to be lacking, the Government do not intend to intervene.In the case of the nationalised industries, all proposed major increases in prices and charges are already subject to close scrutiny.