POLAND: DELAYED PRICE INCREASES

Created: 8/22/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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POLAND: Delayed Price Increases

overnment -ias delayed implementation of inrraaoed bread priaee, largely in response to objeotione by Solidarity.

The regime had planned to carry out theercent price Increase on Monday but failed to get Solidarity's complete agreementcheme forconsumers. eetingolidarity representative, the head of the state price commission went on Polish television yesterday to say the new price hikes were not completely set because Solidarity had not agreed to them. He implied that further talks withwould take place next week. Semsm

The union apparently has raised other objections which it will discuss at the talks. The government wants to inaugurate the price hikes onugust, butwith the union could easily cause more delay.

Although the proposed increase will have little impact on the average Pole's standard of living, it is anpolitical step for the government and the union. The government is eager to get its program of price reforms started but is wary of moving hastily if there are any signs of discontent. The increase is, in the wordsnion official. Solidarity's "first greathe union wants to show that it is arguing the people's case. Sfsjseji

The regime has hinted that the meat rationing norms, already reduced last month byercent, may be lowered again in September. ubstantial drop In meatinfarmers have diverted more meat to private and black marketit likely that the government will nave to lower the norm.jB

The government also has revealed that domestic coal supplies for heating and industrial uses will be lower than last winter, even though exports will be below the level

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