HC Deb 18 December 1919 vol 123 cc839-41

Considered in Committee, and reported without Amendment.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."

Mr. G. THORNE

This is only a continuance Bill. Am I right in understanding that during the course of this extension it is proposed to introduce an amending Bill on the lines referred to last evening?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Before the representative of the Board of Trade replies may I ask whether he can give us some explanation on a subject which is exercising the minds of many people, namely, whether steps are being taken under this Bill to deal with the sale of articles wholesale and also to deal with trusts and combines? I understand from Parliamentary answers that a number of eases are and have been for some time under investigation by the Board of Trade. I have not heard whether there has been a decision in any of these cases, any prosecutions, or any steps taken to deal with cases of wholesale profiteering, which some of us think are more conducive to high prices than any retail profiteering, taken in the aggregate. Further, is there any prospect under the Bill of dealing with the great modern evil of trade combines and trusts? If the hon. Member can give us any assurance that this evil is to be dealt with, it would be well received in the country and would allay quite justifiable suspicion and unrest.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)

In reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman I would say that a Central Committee has been formed and began its work on 30th September under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food. That Committee divided itself into three sections. The duty of each of these sections was: (1) Investigation of prices; (2) Investigation of complaints (which refers only to complaints regarding wholesale sales); (3) Investigation as to trusts. Each of these sections has formed a number of sub-committees, thirty altogether, dealing either with particular articles or with groups of articles. With regard to, one or two cases the investigations are actually completed, I think, and the Report is now in the hands of the Board of Trade, and the other cases are advanced some way towards completion. I am afraid I cannot say more than that. I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will understand that it is the intention not only of that Committee, but of the Board of Trade, to pursue these investigations to the fullest possible extent, both in regard to wholesale prices and in regard to the operation of trusts and combines. The hon. Member for Wolverhampton (Mr. Thorne) was quite right in understanding that it is the intention of the Govern- meat to introduce during the remaining three months by which this Bill will extend the Act; an Amending Bill to deal with certain facts which I mentioned last night, regarding the possible bringing within the scope of the Bill of certain articles now excluded, possibly strengthening the power of dealing with combines and trusts, and also power to publish the Reports where there is any doubt up to now.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the third time, and passed.