§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISEasked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he has made in arranging for the establishment of a Consumers' Council; when he proposes to ask Parliament to confer special powers on that body; and whether he has any evidence of profiteering in food?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMAs regards the first two parts of the question, I can add nothing to the statements I have previously made in the House. As regards the third part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reports which have been made from time to time by the Food Council.
§ Lord E. PERCYMay I ask whether it has been decided that the Consumers' Council should deal with commodities other than food?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, I gave a reply some days ago in which I clearly indicated that this Council would cover the necessaries of life, that is, articles other than food.
§ Mr. WISEIn view of the suggestions that have been made that this Conncil should cover the retail sale of coal, will the right hon. Gentleman publish his proposals before we get into Committee on the Coal Bill?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI could not possibly give any pledge of that kind this afternoon, but I can assure the House that details will be available from the Amendments well in advance of any discussion.