§ 17. Mr. J. GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the large profits that are being made by multiple firms in the distributive trades catering for the working classes, 1806 he will obtain powers to investigate the prices charged by these firms with a view to taking action by legislation to protect the poorer consumers from the high prices that are charged to make these large profits possible?
§ Dr. BURGINI am not aware that the prices charged by multiple firms are higher than those charged by other traders for the same classes of goods, and I see no necessity for the legislation suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSWill the hon. Gentleman inquire whether the wages paid are lower than those paid by other firms?
§ Mr. MABANEIs the total absence of information not another evidence in favour of taking a census of distributiono at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs it not the case that they are charging higher in relation to costs than the other firms?