§ * MR. CHIOZZA MONEY (Paddington N.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Coats sewing cotton combine now sells only 130 yards of sewing cotton for the same price at which it used to sell 200 yards; that this alteration is not accounted for by increase in cost of production; and whether he can see his way, by legislation or otherwise, to protect the consumers of sewing cotton, who are mostly poor people.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) DevonportI have no official information as to the prices charged at various times by J. P. Coats, Ltd., for their products or the causes of any changes which may have taken place. My hon. friend has already been informed that the Board of Trade are fully alive to the importance of these matters, but are not at present prepared to propose legislation.