§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEY (Paddington, W.)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a soap trust or combine has been formed in the United Kingdom which controls 75 per 1003 centum of the entire soap trade of the country; that as a result the small independent soap firms are at this moment in great danger; that the soap trust has temporarily reduced its prices, while raw materials are advancing, in order to crush competition; and if he can see his way to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to protect the public from private monopoly in this case.
§ (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I have seen statements in the press to the effect that certain manufacturers of soap have entered into an arrangement with a view to effecting economies in working and for other purposes, but I am not able to say what proportion of the soap trade of this country is carried on by the firms who are parties to this arrangement, or whether the position of other firms has been injuriously affected. I have seen reports of changes in prices, as stated in the Question, but I have no official information as to the causes or objects of such changes. I have in reply to a previous Question informed my hon. friend that the Board of Trade are fully alive to the importance of such matters, and will watch carefully the effect of these combines on the trade and industry of the country.