§ 13. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether representatives of the co-operative societies were consulted in relation to the provisions of the Consumers' Council Bill; and whether any representations have been received from any such organisations in reference to these proposals?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMA representation was received from the Parliamentary Committee of the Co-operative Congress to the effect that the co-operative movement should be represented on the Consumers' Council.
§ Sir K. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman surprised that he has not received some protest from the co-operative societies about this Bill? Is not the Bill a grave reflection on the co-operative movement?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThis is a Bill to protect the consumers; and we have a considerable measure of support for it.
§ Sir K. WOODHave not the co-operative societies always been protecting the consumers?
Viscountess ASTORIs it not the case that the co-operative societies have financed the Labour Members?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWho financed you? The working classes? [Interruption.]