§ 28. Mr. T. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade the price per hundredweight of pure glycerine in September, 1936, and the price at the latest date for which figures are available?
§ Mr. RuncimanAccording to information published in the "Chemical Trade journal and Chemical Engineer," the price of glycerine, described as "industrial white, s.g. 1260," was £53 per ton in September, 1936, and £88 per ton on 17th February, 1937. The prices relate to lots of five tons; prices per hundredweight are not quoted.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what are the possible reasons for this excessive increase within a short space of time?
§ Mr. RuncimanI cannot give all the reasons, but no doubt increased demand has led to a rise in prices.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent rearmament is responsible, to what extent it is sheer profiteering, and what steps the Government are taking to prevent a further increase in the price of this very necessary commodity?