§ 84. Miss Wilkinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered representations from various traders regarding the results to normal manufacture of violent fluctuations in metal prices; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the national interest to restrict gambling on the metal exchange?
§ Mr. RuncimanI have considered such representations as have been made and would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for North-West Camberwell (Major Guest) on 9th March.
§ Miss WilkinsonAs that particular answer really said nothing at all, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that normal employers are facing the greatest difficulty, the right hon. Gentleman can put the public interest for once before the interests of gamblers on the exchange?
§ Mr. RuncimanThere is much to be said for keeping down the price of some of these commodities, but we must unfortunately pay the world price if we are to have the commodities.
§ Miss WilkinsonI am not talking only about the world price, but about the violent fluctuations due to gambling on the London exchange.
§ Mr. ThorneHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement that the price of tin jumped yesterday by £20?