§ 79. Mr. RAMSAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent tendency towards the creation of monopolies and rings in industry and trade; and whether he will consider the appointment of a Departmental Committee to inquire into the effect of such monopolies and rings upon the price of important commodities which are averse to the interests of the country?
§ Mr. GILLETTIn view of the intention of the Government to introduce at an early date legislation for the establishment of a Consumers' Council, and of the recent appointment of a Committee to inquire into certain trade practices, I do not think the appointment of a further committee is necessary at present.
§ Mr. WISEIs it not the case that there are already masses of material on this point in the possession of the Department and that what is wanting is authority to use it?