Grocery costs rise $2 a week —Mrs Hercus

Press, 2 June 1984, Page 3

Grocery costs rise $2 a week —Mrs Hercus

PA Wellington A shopping basket of household groceries cost $2.03 more than when the price freeze was lifted 12 weeks ago, said the Opposition’s spokesman on consumer affairs, Mrs Ann Hercus, yesterday. “The blunt fact is that prices of a very ordinary shopping basket, with no luxuries, are moving, on average, not 3 per cent or 5 per cent or even 10 per cent but 15 per cent on an annual basis,” said Mrs Hercus. “Some prices have moved in large dollops. For ex-

ample, butter up 17c, tea up 15c, cheese up 80c. “Other increases are less dramatic but more numerous. Margarine, eggs, coffee, sausages, porridge, tampons, and biscuits are all up between 5c and Bc,” she said. “Then there is another group of 1c to 3c increases. That adds up to $62.32, on a base basket of $60.29. “The Prime Minister seems to think a few cents here and there do not make much difference. That attitude could only come from a man on $lOOO a week plus,” Mrs Hercus said.