§ I7. Sir William Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that persons who have stored furniture in depositories have recently been requested to pay large increases in the charges originally agreed upon if the furniture is to be allowed to remain; and whether the Government propose to take any action in this matter?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend stated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Cary) on 25th March, he proposes to introduce legislation to give the Board of Trade power to deal among other things with charges for certain services such as furniture storage. Meanwhile, if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases in which there appear to have been unreasonable increases in charges, I shall be glad to make inquiries.
§ Sir W. DavisonAre the Board satisfied that these charges are in the nature of profiteering, and is there any additional expenditure falling upon the owners of these depositories which would justify an increase of 20, 30 or 40 per cent. in their charges?
§ Captain WaterhouseThere is certainly some increased expenditure falling upon owners of depositories, but there are cases 1398 undoubtedly where the increased charges are beyond reason.
§ Mr. Howard GrittenIf I give my hon. and gallant Friend the name of a depository at Clapham Junction the owners of which are making the most exorbitant charges, will be kindly look into the case?
§ Captain WaterhouseCertainly, Sir.