§ 24. Mr. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if, having regard to the present high price of boots and clothes, he will remove all restrictions on the import of leather boots, cotton hosiery, and other articles of clothing?
§ Sir A. GEDDESA Select Committee is being appointed to consider the question of excessive prices. In view of that fact I am not prepared immediately to adopt the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it will take some months before the Select Committee will report, having regard to the Parliamentary Recess, and is it not an urgent question to reduce the price of clothing and boots at present?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI quite agree it is a most urgent question. We do not want by reducing the price of clothes to put up the price of food. It comes down finally to the exchange as to which I have already answered questions.
Captain BENNHas the House ever been informed of the precise reasons on which the Committee gave a decision?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the Select Committee, and say when that Committee will begin to consider the question?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is a question which should be addressed to the Leader of the House.