§ 9. Sir KEITH FRASERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Central Profiteering Committee is still continuing its investigations into the profits of various trades and industries; what is the total staff employed, and the annual cost of this Department; and whether, in view of existing conditions and the need for economy, he proposes to close down this Department at any early date?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Central Committee, established under the Profiteering Acts, employ a staff which at present numbers 79, and the cost for the 12 months ending the 31st January, 1921. was £34,176 6s. (not including stationery, office rent, and lighting). The Profiteering Acts expire on the 19th May next, and in the meantime in carrying out the work of the Committee every regard is had to the necessity for economy.
§ Sir R. HORNEAs it at present stands, the Act ceases automatically on the 19th May.
§ Mr. BRIANTCan the right hon. Gentleman say if there are any local profiteering committees still meeting?
§ Sir R. HORNEYes, there are some. I cannot tell the particular localities in which they are, but there are some of them.