§ 48. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the published statement of members of the Food Council that their efforts are rendered largely nugatory by the absence of legal powers in dealing with witnesses; and what steps he proposes to take to extend 1919 the powers of the Food Council to deal effectively with food profiteering?
Mr. WILLIAMSI have seen statements in the press by one member of the Food Council. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 2nd February, 1926.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERMay I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether this opinion expressed by one Member is not held by the majority? Will he take steps to ascertain whether that is not the fact?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWith reference to the last part of the answer, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the only way to prevent profiteering in food is to restore competition among retailers, and that that will be obtained by restoring to them the liberty which was taken away from them by D.O.R.A.?
§ Mr. ALEXANDERWill the hon. Gentleman find out?
§ Mr. WALLHEADWhat is the use of referring one to an answer given two years ago?
Mr. WILLIAMSBecause it reminds hen Members that they ought to study the OFFICIAL REPORT before they put down questions.