§ 18. Mr. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the present prices for clothes and boots are inflicting grave hardship upon large 1659 sections of the population; and what action the Board of Trade has taken or proposes to take in order to limit profits in the production and sale of articles of prime necessity?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI would refer the right hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle on 28th May.
§ Mr. LAMBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what action the Board of Trade has taken or proposes to take in order to limit the profits in the production and sale of articles of prime necessities; and whether he has ever given any reply to that question in the House?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThis is the first time I have been asked that particular question in this particular form. I have given an answer upon the general point. In regard to what action the Board of Trade is taking, it is at present investigating the whole position as to prices and is preparing a series of proposals which will be laid before the House, I hope, at no distant date.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman take care to check the rapacity of these profiteers?
§ Sir A. GEDDESYes, if the Board of Trade is once armed with the necessary power it will be able to do so.