HC Deb 11 August 1919 vol 119 cc857-8
18. Captain W. BENN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether witnesses before the Imports Consultative Committee gave evidence at to the prices and sources of their supplies to those who were, or might be, their competitors in business?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

If any witness before the Imports Consultative Council gave such information to the members of the Council he did so quite voluntarily, and doubtless with full knowledge of what he was doing.

Captain BENN

Is it the fact that the witnesses before the Committee did in fact give evidence to the members of the Committee who were their trade rivals?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

They may have done that, for all I know, but they knew who-the members were.

Captain BENN

Were they invited by the Board of Trade to give evidence?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

They, and others, were invited to give evidence, but not of necessity evidence which they considered private.