§ 73. Sir Percy Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken in regard to the profiteering of wholesalers dealing in electric torches and refills, of which instances, with names and prices, have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Devizes?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I communicated with the firms in question and have received replies from all of them. The replies are to the effect that the demand both for torches and batteries at present largely exceeds the available supply, and that the manufacturers are unable to fulfil orders placed before the war. In most cases, the firms say that the prices charged reflect the increased prices they have themselves had to pay for supplies from other sources, both home and overseas. I understand that the prices of imported batteries have risen by 100 per cent. or more. The question of applying the Prices of Goods Bill to electric torches and batteries will have to be considered in due course.
§ Mr. PooleCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is not possible to buy a torch battery alone, and why one is always compelled to buy a. torch and a battery?
§ Mr. StanleyAs I say, the whole of this question of torches and batteries will have to be considered when the Prices Bill becomes law.