§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the large and continuous increase in the world's output of gold and the simultaneous rise in the price of so many articles of consumption; and if he has any Reports or special information on the subject which he can lay before the House?
Mr. BUXTONAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the question which he addressed to me on 22nd June. He will find some particulars as to the changes in the level of the wholesale and retail prices in recent years at pages 184–190 and 203 of the Blue Book Cd. 4954, and at pages 4 and 5 of the "Board of Trade Labour Gazette" for January last, copies of which I am sending to him.
§ Mr. FELLHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman and of his officials been directed to the fact that the output of gold has increased more than 50 per cent, in the last three years? Are they specially studying this question, which is of material importance to all interests?
Mr. BUXTONOf course, all such questions receive the consideration of the Board of Trade. The hon. Member must feel I cannot go into the question in this way.
§ Mr. FELLI want to know if this point is being specially studied, in view of the fact that at the present moment the subject is of special importance?