§ 50. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Budget concessions are being neutralised by other articles being raised in price; and whether he proposes to take any action by way of legislation or otherwise in the matter?
§ 97. Mr. COMPTONasked the President of the Board of Trade ii his attention has been called to the serious increase in prices of non-dutiable commodities which take away from the consumer any advantage obtained through reduced Budget taxation; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. A. V. Alexander)As I have previously stated, I have no reason to think that the rise which has recently taken place in the prices of certain articles of food is due to other than normal economic causes, but the situation is being carefully watched by the Government.
§ Sir K. WOODIs the hon. Gentleman not going to do something to deal with the position which has already arisen and is causing great hardship in many places up and down the country?