49. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an association of merchants, holding a monopoly in sale of silk sewings, have fixed the selling price at 80s. a lb., as against a pre-war price of 21s. to 23s., and that the middleman who sells to the tailor or to the public is bound by an agreement to sell at a price not less than 80s. under a penalty of being excluded from further opportunity of obtaining silk sewings; and what action does he propose to take to prevent such holding up of price against the consumer?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)I have been asked to reply. My attention had not previously been called to the circumstances referred to in the question, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with particulars of the association referred to, I will have inquiries made.