asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the people residing in towns are being gravely burdened by efforts to meet the ever-increasing prices of essentials, especially of essential foodstuffs; and, if so, if he will state the steps he is taking to keep these prices within reasonable limits.

I am aware that the general rise in the world prices of essential commodities is now being reflected to some extent in the retail price level in this country. It was mainly to deal with this situation that the Prices Advisory Body was set up.