Food prices

Press, 16 February 1980, Page 14

Food prices

Sir, — We should all be concerned and aware of the increase in food prices during 1979. What is not apparent from the figures reported is ■ the Governmentinduced increase through the levy of sales tax on many consumer goods. The retail cost of soft drinks in New Zealand may be up 32.5 per cent compared with the previous- year; however, consumers give to

the Government most of that increase. Our estimate based on our own company’s intelligence is that for the period of the comparison, the- Government received 25.5 per cent of the increase while the retailer and manufacturer shared the remaining 7 per cent. — Yours, etc.,

■ M. J. JEMISON, General Manager, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Canterbury. February 13, 1980. Sir, — I read in “The Press” yesterday that food prices in January were 23.4 per cent higher than in January, 1979, according to the all-foods group of the consumer’s price index. I am on a domestic purposes benefit and at the moment I am receiving less than I was this time last year because of the recent cut of $8 per week in my benefit. I have' noticed every time the Minister mentions the. D.P. benefit he includes the family benefit in the weekly amount. He never seems to add the wage earners’ family benefit to their weekly wage. I cannot understand the Government’s decision to rob the poor and reward the rich. Have we got a Welfare State? I doubt that we have, because we do not fare well at all. — Yours, etc. MARY HARRISON. February 12, 1980.