asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection to what extent the whisky distillers have claimed an increase in the price of whisky; whether the directives of the Common Market to increase the price of their products are sufficient reasons for such increases to be made and sanctioned by the Price Commission; and whether he will make a statement.

Notifications of price increases are matters for the Price Commission. In considering such notifications it is required by Section 2 of the Price Commission Act 1977 to have regard to all matters set out in that Section which it considers to be relevant.