8. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider setting up a Royal Commission on food prices to inquire into milling expenses and profits, in view of the recommendation of the Royal Commission in 1925, and, further, with a view to inquiring into the price-fixing associations in the milling industry?
§ Mr. StanleyNo, Sir. I am not aware of reasons that would justify such an inquiry.
Mr. De la BèreIf there is nothing to hide, why cannot we have an inquiry into this all-important matter?
§ Mr. StanleyThe most important consideration with regard to whether we should have an inquiry is not whether there is anything to hide, but whether there is anything to bring out.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have spent many hours at the Board of Trade, and I am satisfied that there is a great deal to bring out?
§ Mr. J. MorganIs it not an anomaly that the farmers of this country are selling their wheat to the milling industry at £4 to £5 per ton, and buying back milling offals at something like £6 to £7 per ton? Is there not, therefore, a prima facie case for an inquiry?
§ Mr. StanleyI dealt with that matter on the Motion for the Christmas Adjournment.