§ 82. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to prevent the formation, by those engaged in the retail trade, of associations and combines which have for their object the control of prices?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI doubt whether a general measure of the kind suggested would be desirable. As regards food prices, these are being dealt with, on lines which appear to be, more satisfactory, by the Food Council, established in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Food Prices.
Mr. BOOTH BYIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that at the present time, as far as food prices are concerned, there are no such combines in existence which are maintaining prices unduly high?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThat may possibly be, but at the. moment we think the measures which we are adopting are the best measures for keeping prices within bounds.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIn the event of legislation being recommended, will the hon. Member be prepared to introduce it?
§ Mr. SPENCERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that wheat prices fell rapidly just before the farmers were getting their wheat in, and immediately the wheat had been thrashed, and when the millers got hold of it, prices rapidly rose again, and can he tell us the reason why?