§ 4. Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Profiteering Committee for the urban district of Consett, in the county of Durham, was appointed on the 23rd September, 1919; whether it has had one case altogether; whether, having held three full meetings on that case, it found that a pair of men's goloshes, which were sold at 7s. 11d., might have been quite properly charged at 8s. 3d.; whether there is any other work requiring the continuance of this committee; and whether there are many other cases of Profiteering Committees for which no work is forthcoming?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Board of Trade have delegated their powers under the Profiteering Acts relating to complaints in respect of retail transactions to local committees established by local authorities, and while many committees have not reported the hearing of any complaints, the deterrent effect of the existence of a committee armed with powers under the Acts should be borne in mind.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWould the hon. Gentleman mind answering the last part of the question?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have already said that there are a number of committees who have not actually heard complaints, but, as I have pointed out, the deterrent effect of the Act at the time when profiteering was going on was sufficient in itself to prevent those committees having to function.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman think it is of any use continuing these committees at the present time?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have already said that it is not proposed to continue them. The Profiteering Act is coming to an end.
7. Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recommendations of the Committee on Trusts set up by the Ministry of Reconstruction, backed up by the findings of the Central Profiteering Committee, particularly in respect of the effect of the Light Castings Association in increasing the cost of housing, the Government will introduce legislation to carry out any or all of the recommendations of these committees; and, if so, at what date such legislation will be introduced?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAs I have previously stated, it is hoped to introduce permanent legislation dealing with trade monopolies; but I do not think it will be possible to do so during the present Session.
Major BARNESIf it is necessary at this present time to make great reductions in wages in order to bring about a reduction in prices, is it not equally urgent and important to prevent associations of this kind from forcing prices up?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI think one has to look at this question broadly and largely. Undoubtedly the condition of trade at present is not such as to admit of profiteering, and, as the hon. and gallant Member will see from the Report, the publicity of the inquiry has in itself led the association in question to reconsider its policy.