Minister Montano vigilant on prices of consumer goods

Minister of Legal Affairs, Danny Montano, has reiterated that he remains watchful of the prices of food items and consumer goods and services. Montano, whose portfolio also includes the Consumer Affairs division, has set up the “Prices Advisory Committee” with a better view of understanding the threats that could result in price increases, and being able to formulate possible solutions for them. The committee includes representatives from the business sector including manufacturing and shipping, the labour sector, the Central Bank, the port, the Ministry of Finance, the Board of Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise. At its third meeting yesterday, the committee noted that over the period April 2003 to April 2004, inflation had continued to decline. Montano said the establishment of the committee will demonstrate government’s commitment to work together with key stakeholders to greater facilitate an understanding of consumer issues.