The decision in last week's Budget means that retailers face a tricky choice between stomaching the increase themselves - thereby cutting their already slim profit margins - or raising prices.

Kevin Buckle, owner of Edinburgh's Avalanche Records, claims, "Nobody is going to put up prices for the odd amount involved."

Meanwhile, Entertainment Retailers Association director general Kim Bayley explains there are not just logistical issues in terms of price points, but also the likely effect on consumer expenditure.

"This is ...