§ 43. Mr. STANTONasked the Food Controller if he is aware of the continued discontent among the poor at the continuing profiteering which is going on; is he aware of the unrest caused by this practice; and will he take immediate steps to deal more drastically with the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the high cost of living causes discontent, but it is very necessary to remember that high prices and profiteering are by no means the same thing. Many prices are at present very high, even with profits most strictly limited. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the Profiteering Act has now been applied to all the principal necessaries of life other than controlled articles, and that Central Appeal and local committees have been set up to hear and determine cases of alleged profiteering at all stages in the production and distribution of goods. The remedy for profiteering, which has, in my opinion, been very greatly reduced by the operation of the Act, lies now in the hands of the public, who are invited to lodge complaints wherever they have reasonable grounds for believing themselves to be the victims of unreasonable profit-making.