Sandwich prices

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32977, 25 July 1972, Page 12

Sandwich prices

Sir, —Last week I was charged 12c a sandwich by a coffee lounge in Fendalton. I was told 12c is the standard price for any sandwich in that shop (including cheese and pineapple, a sample of which I returned for a refund owing to the absence of pineapple). Foodstuffs such as this do not come under price control and therefore a proprietor can take the public for a ride. Why does the Department of Industries and Commerce allow this? I have taken the time to inquire about the prices of sandwiches around Christchurch, and find a range from 8c to 12c for the same thing. Those asking 8c a sandwich assured me they were making a reasonable profit; therefore 12c seems exorbitant. Some comment from the Department of Industries and Commerce would be appreciated.—Yours, etc., D. M. MACDONALD.

July 13, 1972. [Mr W. M. Newton, acting district officer of the Department of Industries and Commerce, replies: “Footstuffs such as sandwiches are under the Stabilisation of Prices Regulations, 1972, and therefore prices can only be increased to recover increased costs. While it is not necessary for the trader to obtain approval from this department before increasing prices, he must keep records showing how the prices were computed. This department studies such records, when making spot checks or investigating complaints, and ensures that the increases are justified. It is not possible to compare retail prices alone to establish if profiteering exists. Costs such as rates, rents, and wages will vary from trader to trader and therefore prices will also vary.”]