asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the increases in the price of Enos salt, Fynnon salts, Beecham pills, Germolene, Yeast-vite tablets, MacLean's powder and Lucozade, whether he has given his approval for these increases, and, if not, if he will arrange for an investigation to ascertain whether the increases are justified.

There is no statutory control over the prices of the preparations mentioned and accordingly the firms concerned are under no obligation to seek my prior approval for price increases. I am informed, as a result of inquiries, that increases in the prices of these preparations have recently taken place.

The question of an investigation into prices of pharmaceutical products is under examination by the Prices Advisory Body.