HC Deb 14 April 1931 vol 251 c11
14. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has ascertained from the Merchant Traders' Company the wholesale price c.i.f. at which the Russian doors are being marketed; and will he give the comparative cost of similar doors made in Great Britain without allowing for any profit?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I regret that the information asked for in the second part is not available.

Commander BELLAIRS

Would it not be a simple proceeding for the right hon. Gentleman to send a letter to the Merchant Traders' Company and get the information, seeing that 600,000 doors are being imported by this company?

Mr. GRAHAM

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. These firms are under no obligation to disclose to me or, as far as I know, to anybody else, the nature of their trading operations.

Commander BELLAIRS

As a matter of courtesy, they will give the information.

Mr. SMITHERS

May I ask whether it is not part of the duty of the President of the Board of Trade—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Day!