§ 41. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Supply why the price of wall-board was fixed at 2s. 1d. when the current market price was 1s. 9d.; and whether he is aware that the effect of this was immediately to increase the cost of this commodity to the maximum allowable under the order?
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Burgin)The prices for wall-board laid down in the Control of Paper (No. 1) Order were based on the market prices current immediately before the outbreak of war. The hon. Member will realise, however, that they are maximum and not fixed prices. Some qualities of wall-board were undoubtedly sold at lower prices and the Order afforded no justification for raising their price.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the effect in the trade was that the prices were immediately raised to the maximum; and will he bear that in mind in future in connection with the fixing of prices?
§ Mr. BurginI think it only right to point out that there is a very large number of qualities of wall board. I have been assuming that the hon. Member's question related to half-inch insulating board.
§ Mr. EdwardsThe question referred to wall board which was sold at 1s. 9d., and was immediately raised to 2s. 1d. when the Minister fixed the price.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not the case that in the trade union world, anybody who takes less than the maximum is regarded as a blackleg?