§ 84. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the 1803 fact that in many villages the poorer people are dependent on one shop for all their supplies and there is no competition, and of the fact that in many places excessive prices are being charged for most ordinary commodities, although there are more than normal wholesale supplies of them in the country, he will again fix the maximum prices, at least for all the chief articles of food, and take the necessary steps to see that they are not exceeded?
§ Mr. PRETYMANSupply carts from the neighbouring towns visit nearly every village in the country and have practically wiped out the village shops. The monopoly indicated in the question does not therefore exist, and no evidence has reached the Board of Trade to show that consumers in rural districts are more affected by high prices than those who live in towns. It must also be borne in mind that the former have the advantage of growing some of their own supplies themselves, but if my hon. Friend will furnish particulars of the prices he complains of my right hon. Friend will consider if any action is posible to deal with them.