HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 cc1925-7
9 & 10. Mr. GLANVILLE

asked (1) how many Reports have been issued by Com- mittees or Sub-Committees appointed under the Profiteering Act to investigate the prices of commodities or the operations of rings or combines; how many of these Reports have recommended that action, in one form or another, should be taken by the Government; in how many cases the recommendations have been followed;

(2) what has been the cost to date involved in the work of the Committees or Sub-Committees appointed under the Profiteering Act to investigate the prices of commodities or the operation of rings and combines?

Sir R. HORNE

Seventeen reports have been made by the Central Committee, under the Profiteering Acts or by Sub-Committees of the Central Committee. In six of these specific action by the Government is recommended, and in four of the six cases the action recommended was that effect should be given to the recommendations contained in the report of the Committee on Trusts (Cd. 9236). As I informed the House on the Second Reading of the Profiteering (Amendment) Act, the Government are considering the introduction of legislation of a permanent nature dealing with trusts and combines. The other reports in which action was recommended were the Report on Motor Fuel and the Report on Fish. As regards the Report on Motor Fuel I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Leyton to-day. In the Report on Fish the Standing Committee on Trusts of the Central Committee made certain recommendations which have been brought to the notice of the Departments concerned, namely, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Food. As the hon. Member is probably aware a Fish Transport Committee has been appointed by the Ministry of Transport. It must be remembered that in addition to the trades or commodities already reported on a very much larger number of trades or commodities are at present under investigation by the Central Committee. The Committee has also dealt with numerous complaints of alleged profiteering on the part of the manufacturer or wholesaler. The total expenditure incurred to the 30th June in the administration of the Profiteering Acts by the Central Committee and its Sub-Committees was £18,615 14s. ld. This figure does not include the cost of stationery, office rent or lighting.

Mr. SHORT

When is the Government likely to come to a decision in regard to trusts, and when will a Bill be introduced?

Sir R. HORNE

I cannot say when a Bill will be introduced because, as my hon. Friend knows, the time of the Session is already mortgaged, but I can assure him that a Bill is already in draft.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Are we to understand, then, that, except in the case of fish, in which the right hon. Gentleman knows there has been a break in prices, nothing has been done to protect the public against high prices due to trusts and rings?

Sir R. HORNE

My hon. and gallant Friend is erroneous in that assumption.