§ 13. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great disparity between wholesale and retail prices of many commodities; and whether he will set up an inquiry to investigate the rate of profit obtained by retailers of commodities of all kinds, whether new or second-hand, with a view to checking excessive rates of profit obtained by retailers, middlemen and dealers at the expense of producers and consumers?
§ Dr. BURGINMy right hon. Friend is not aware that there has been any general increase in the margin between wholesale and retail prices and sees no reason to institute an inquiry of the nature suggested.