HC Deb 23 February 1920 vol 125 cc1265-7
1. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board has required the Surbiton Local Committee under the Profiteering Act to publish a poster which states that complaints must be lodged in any case within four days of the transaction, whereas by Amended Regulations dated 24th November, 1919, complaints may be lodged in particular cases within such extended time as may be allowed by the local committe, not exceeding 14 days; and whether the publication of a poster in these terms is calculated to limit the complaints which might be made and accordingly defeat the objects of the Act and of the Amended Regulations?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Auckland Geddes)

In common with all other local committees the Surbiton Local Committee were asked to display posters in which it was stated that complaints must be lodged with the local committee within four days of the sale forming the subject of the complaint. The Regulations give local committees a discretion to extend the time in individual cases to. 14 days.

32. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a voluntary scheme has been submitted to the Central Profiteering Committee by the boot and shoe trade, including the manufacturers, distributors, operatives, and tanners, on a system allowing a fixed rate of profit to each process, and that the Central Committee has, on investigation, found the margin of profit allowed to each branch strictly reasonable; and whether, in view of the rapidly rising prices of clothing, sewing cottan, building materials, and other necessaries of life, he will take steps to safeguard the public by introducing a scheme on similar lines in these vital industries?

Sir A. GEDDES

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the voluntary scheme proposed by the boot and shoe trade. I am at present trying to arrange similar voluntary schemes in some other trades.

Viscount CURZON

Is it a fact that in France there have been 220 cases of imprisonment and prosecution; and, if that is so, will the right hon. Gentleman investigate the successful working of the Profiteering Act in France?

Sir A. GEDDES

It depends what the hon. Member regards as the successful working of the Act. If his object is to put people into prison, the French Act may be the better Act; but if his object is to keep prices down, ours is working much better.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of public feeling in regard to the administration of the Profiteering Act and the excessive profits that are being made, and is he also aware that as the prices of commodities go up the value of the Coalition coupon goes down?

Mr. DEVLIN

What is the value of the Coalition coupon?