§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by his Department with the investigation of the price of beer sold to the public; whether any officials have been detailed to make the investigations, arid, if so, 1737 how many; what evidence they are taking; when their Report may be expected; and whether he has any proposals for protecting the public if the charges of profiteering in beer are substantiated?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Baldwin)I do not think it desirable to say precisely what has already been done by my Department in this matter. No officials have been specially detailed for the work, as I am afraid the cost could not be justified. As to the kind of inquiry which is being made, I would refer to the last part of the answer which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East on Monday last. It would be premature for me to think out any proposals for dealing with a situation until I know what is that situation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat objection can there be to detailing the activities in this matter? Is there anything secret or disgraceful?
§ Mr. BALDWINTo go into these details would be waste of time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOught not some reason to be given for refusal of information? I think the request is quite fair.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is far more public interest in the price of beer than in many of the questions under the consideration of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat is the reason of the hebdomadary inquisition to which I am subjected.