Hugh Taylor, director of research of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), answers questions concerning its textbook survey findings for 2006 at a press briefing at the CAC's Holborn Road, St. Andrew offices, yesterday. Looking on is Laura Butler, a board member. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

The prices of textbooks for both secondary and primary institutions have increased by between 10 and 15 per cent, when compared to last year, said the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to the CAC, the price increases can be attributed to the depreciation of the local currency and other inflationary factors affecting the sector.

Hugh Taylor, director of research at the CAC, said, "By comparison, most textbook prices (62.1 per cent) have shown increases of 10 per cent or less, while only 11.6 per cent of observed price movements were in the range of 15 per cent and over."

However, 22.1 per cent of textbooks surveyed showed no increase or reduction compared to last year.

Mr. Taylor added that prices in the rural areas were slightly higher than in the Kingston Metropolitan Area owing to transportation costs.

Despite the rise in costs, however, the CAC said there was no widespread price gouging or collusion on the part of book merchants. Further research by the CAC revealed that the stock for primary-level textbooks was particularly high.

Delay

Dolsie Allen, chief executive officer for the CAC, attributed the survey delay to the fact that book prices were affected when merchants received new stock.

The survey was conducted between July 31 and August 4. A total of 71 bookstores were visited islandwide, but information was only garnered from 68, as two stores were closed and one merchant in St. Ann refused to cooperate. Ninety-five textbooks covering 17 core subject areas were surveyed.

Parents are asked to call the CAC to get information on where they can get the best prices for textbooks in their respective parishes.