§ 55. Mr. SHERWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to protect consumers of taxable commodities from disproportionate and extortionate increases in prices as the result of the proposed new taxes?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not aware that any such increases of price have as yet taken place, but I shall be glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend may have to this effect.
§ Mr. SHERWELLIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically every café and restaurant in London has increased the price of coffee and tea per cup? [HON. MEMBERS: "So has the House of Commons."]
§ Mr. McKENNAI believe that is rather a different question from the one my hon. Friend has put upon the Paper. Some additional charge has to be made and, if anything, it must be a penny. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, a halfpenny."]