Inquiry - Checking Prices, Counting Costs

This 70s current affairs show does a cost benefit analysis of Trade Minister Warren Freer’s Maximum Retail Price scheme (MRP), which capped retail prices. Drawn from an era of economic theory poles that was apart from the market deregulation of the 80s, the investigation sets out to poll opinion in supermarket aisles, a grocery in Glenorchy, and factory floors (Faggs coffee, Cadbury chocolate). The checkouts are a battlefield between red tape and free range retail. The early animated sequence by Bob Stenhouse marked an early use of animation in a local TV documentary. 

Nearly 18 months ago Labour announced its Maximum Retail Price Scheme. The MRP emblem would be the consumers’ guarantee against ‘sharp’ practice. No one could sell above the price marked. No wholesaler could hoard in the hope of cashing in on a price rise. Since last July 25 grocery items have had to show the MRP shield.

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

George Andrews

Reporter

Peter Morritt

Producer

Bob Stenhouse

Animator

Ken Lloyd

Camera

Dave Chilton

Camera

J Henry Carpenter

Sound