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Thursday, March 14, 1974
"After all, while not every one throws litter, and even fower
are criminals, we all have to eat, buy certain commodities of a humble
household nature and we are all genuinely concerned this time," she said,
"Give us a chance to help, too, as Government makes every
attempt to curb prices."
The persuasive powers of the Government Information Services and
the City District Offices should also be used, Mrs. Symons felt, to calm
the fears of the common man and to dispel unfounded rumours about shortages,
thus putting an end to hoarding.
In addition, she suggested that daily broadcasts could be made
giving price ranges of some of the most important daily commodities.
"The shop-keeper in defending his rising prices turns round and
puts the blame squarely on Government at all times," she noted,
Economic experts, she said, may argue rightly and wrongly about
inflation but "all the average housewife knows is that prices are never
stationary.
1t
She urged shoppers to be selective in their patronage of stores
and stalls, for "free enterprise must coincide with free choice," and the
shoppers must learn that they are calling the tune..
Mrs. Symons concurred with the suggestion of the Financial Secretary
that the government itself should set an example, and show that it is not
extravagant in its use or misuse of manpower or physical resources,
She cited the recent case of the government practising economy in
the use of electricity and fuel, and the response of the community at large,
and concluded that, should the necessity arise, more could be done with the
government taking the lead.
/In connection