§ 18. Mr. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Committee appointed to inquire into the increase in the price of Messrs. Coats' cotton have yet arrived at any decision, and, if not, when its decision may be expected?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe investigations referred to in the right hon. Member's question have not yet been completed.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs it a fact that all this time, pending the Committee's investigations, Messrs. Coats have been obtaining an extra 2½d. a reel for cotton and if the Committee finds that this is an unjustifiable charge how will the consumer be able to make Messrs. Coats disgorge?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not know that the consumer will be in a better position for settling the matter by doing it in too great a hurry. We had better let the Committee report.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWhen is the Committee expected to report? Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the discontent in every household throughout the country at the increase in the price of the article?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am fully aware of that, but I think my hon. Friend is also aware of the very great difficulties there are in the way of dealing with this matter. Everyone will agree that in a matter of this kind it is not wise to be in too great a hurry.