HC Deb 26 May 1919 vol 116 cc797-8
1. Major PRESCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the can state the intentions of his Department with regard to the Report of the Fuel Research Board on Gas Standards, which recommends a change in the method of charging for gas; and whether the proposed change, if given legislative effect to, would be ultimately inimical to the interests of gas consumers?

The MINISTER of RECONSTRUCTION (Sir A. Geddes)

The Report is under consideration by the Board of Trade and other Departments concerned, and I cannot state at present what action will be taken upon it. The Fuel Research Hoard in making their recommendations appear to have given full consideration to the interests of gas consumers, and they will be safeguarded in any Bill which His Majesty's Government may introduce to give effect to the Report.

2. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the manufacturers of gas mantles are asking for two years' prohibition of imports; whether any understanding has been given that this will be done; whether he is aware that the shares of the principal company concerned have risen by 20s. a share in the last week, and are now thirty-four times the value they were in 1914, while mantles have risen from 1½d. and 2d. each to 8d. and 9d. each; and whether this form of protection is the considered policy of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. G. TERRELL

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether the industry referred to in the question was not entirely under the control of a German trust before the War?

Sir A. GEDDES

I have heard of no such request as that indicated. Certainly no undertaking has been given about imports of gas mantles after 1st September. I am unable to trace any share movement of the nature indicated. The hon. Member appears to be comparing the pre-war wholesale price of mantles with the postwar retail price. Action so far taken is in accordance with the policy announced for the transitional period.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is he aware that the shares in the Welsbach Company stood at 2s. before the War and are now 7s. 6d.?

Sir A. GEDDES

I am not aware of any movement of the nature indicated in the question, and I have not seen recently what the shares of the Welsbach Company are standing at.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman can answer my question?

Sir A. GEDDES

I apologise for any appearance of discourtesy. I thought the facts were so well known that it was unnecessary to refer to them.