§ 67. Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continued high prices of many commodities and the grave unrest caused thereby, the Government will appoint a small expert and impartial Committee to investigate the matter and report as to the measures desirable to ameliorate the present state of things?
§ 74. Mr. H1GHAMasked the Prime Minister if the Government have formulated their proposals in regard to dealing with 35 the question of profiteering in every direction; and, if so, would he give a day for Debate at an early date, particularly in view of the unrest now prevalent among all classes of the community?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government are fully alive to the seriousness of this question, and propose to set up immediately a Select Committee to examine it. In the meantime the Government are carefully considering what steps can be usefully taken by them without delay.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the same Committee deal with the questions of food and clothing?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, it is our intention that it shall deal with all these matters.
§ Mr. FRANCEWill the right hon. Gentleman give his personal attention to the effect that this change from a Free Trade policy is having upon profiteering and the cost of living?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have given some attention to it.
§ Lord R. CECILDoes my right hon. Friend think a Select Committee would be the best form of inquiry into matters as technical as some of the subjects which will be raised?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite recognise the difficulty, but we spent some hours in discussing it, and we came to the conclusion that on the whole a Select Committee, in view of the interests which it would affect, would be the best.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the Select Committee inquire into the restrictions on imports? Will that be one of the terms of reference?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI should not suggest putting that personally as a term of reference, but obviously they will have a right to consider anything which is causing unrest.
§ Mr. RAFFANWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be able to state the terms of reference?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have spoken to my Noble Friend about getting the Committee going quickly, and I hope to give the terms of reference not later than a day or two.
§ Dr. D. MURRAYWill the box be opened by the Committee?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the terms of reference include power to examine, and, if necessary, call witnesses on oath as to-the profits made in the course of the production of the various articles?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe view of the Government was that the powers which are inherent in a Select Committee of the House of Commons would be sufficient to gain all necessary information.