12. Mr. MALONEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his atten- 574 tion has been drawn to the so-called bread war in Swansea; whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Jones decided to sell a quartern loaf for 8d. at a profit of 20 per cent. and that the Swansea Master Bakers' Association, whose price was 10d., prevailed upon the local millers to cut off supplies of flour from Messrs. Jones's establishments; and whether, since the action of the Swansea bakers appears to be, in the words of the Committee on Trusts, unlawful and against public policy, as public policy is understood by the English Courts, he will take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy attention has been drawn to the bread situation in Swansea, but I am not able to accept the statements contained in the second part of the question, which appear to be based solely on Messrs. Jones's version, as a correct representation of the facts. As regards the last part of the question I am advised that as the law stands to-day, and upon the facts as stated, no legal action can be taken.