§ 47. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now prepared to make a statement as to the recommendation of the Minority Report of the Departmental Committee on Prices in, regard to the regulation of prices of the milk industry?
Mr. RUNCIMANI can only say at present that the whole of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee, together with the Memorandum to which my hon. Friend doubtless refers, are receiving very careful consideration from the Board of Trade. Any further statement will be made when I introduce the Bill which, as already intimated, is being prepared.
§ Mr. SUTTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers of the country have already raised their prices? Will he say what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 48. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to adopt Recommendation 3 of the Departmental Committee on Prices; and, if so, which are the less necessary commodities which will be excluded?
Mr. RUNCIMANA very considerable number of commodities is already included in the list of articles, the importation of which is restricted with a view to saving tonnage. The Board of Trade are constantly considering the possibility of extending the list, but I fear that I cannot hold out much hope of any substantial further saving of tonnage by this method, in view of the necessity of maintaining industries essential to the conduct of the War or engaged in the export trade.