asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy on unit pricing on those foods sold in pre-established quantities; and if he will make a statement.

It is our policy not to extend unit pricing to foods sold in pre-established quantities. For foods sold loose or in random weight pre-packs unit pricing has a role to play in assisting consumers to make value for money comparisons. But for foods which can be sold in pre-established quantities, standardisation of package sizes based on the needs of the consumer is a far better and cheaper method of assisting consumers.This policy was set out in the Department's explanatory memorandum dated 23 February 1984 on European Community Draft Instrument 4687/84 of 31 January 1984 on consumer protection in the indication of prices of foodstuffs.