CONSUMERS' COUNCIL BILL. (Hansard, 23 September 1931)

§ 49. Mr. MORLEY
asked the Prime Minister if he is now prepared to give facilities for the passage into law of the Consumers' Council Bill?

§ Mr. S. BALDWIN
The answer is in the negative.

§ Mr, MORLEY
What alternative methods do the Government propose to take to check profiteering during the period of rising prices, which is inevitable?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
That really cannot arise out of this question.

§ Mr. G. HARDIE
Is it the case, when a question comes up dealing with prices, that members are not really allowed to state, as I can state, an advance in a particular commodity? Prices did increase yesterday.

§ Mr. SPEAKER
Hon. Members are not allowed to make statements.

§ Mr. McSHANE
On a point of Order. With the greatest respect to you, Sir, this question is asking whether the Consumers' Council Bill is to be introduced for the purpose of protecting the public against excessive prices.

§ Mr. SPEAKER
There is nothing about that in the question.

Mr. MACLEAN
Although there is nothing about it in the question, is it not the case that the very Title and purport of the Bill is what the question is based upon?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
Mr. Dixey.