§ 46. Mr. MORLEYasked the Prime Minister what steps the Government proposes to take to deal with profiteering in the event of a rise in the internal price-level?
47. Mr. MACLEANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that brands of foreign tinned goods were quoted on Friday at an increase of 16⅔ over the price ruling on the previous day; and whether he can state what action the Government proposes to take to prevent profiteering?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government is in daily touch with importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of the staple articles of food who have expressed their desire to co-operate in preventing any exploitation of the present situation and are giving valuable assistance. In view of that co-operation and the ample supplies available, I hope there will be no outbreak of exploitation, but if the necessity should arise the Government would not hesitate to seek adequate powers.
§ Mr. MORLEYIs the Prime Minister aware that certain firms have already instructed their agents to increase the prices of commodities that they have in stock?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should be very much obliged if my hon. Friend will pass that information on to the Department concerned, so that it may be dealt with.
Mr. MACLEANWill the Prime Minister answer the specific part of the question in which I refer to the goods being increased by a stated amount, a week last Friday, and can he say whether his 34 inquiry from those manufacturers and agents led him to understand that that information is true or false?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be better if that question were put to the Department concerned. I understand that cases of the nature indicated by my hon. Friend in his question have occurred, and they are being dealt with. If my hon. Friend has specific cases which have not come to the notice of the Department, would he be good enough to send them to the Department? [HON. MEMBERS: "Which is the Department?"] The Board of Trade.
§ Mr. HARRISHow are these cases being dealt with?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps my hon. Friend will ask that question of the Department. I am afraid that I have not the detailed information available.