HC Deb 09 December 1941 vol 376 c1367
4. Mr. David Adams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the high prices charged in sale-rooms for secondhand furniture and household utensils, in areas in which bombing has occurred; whether he is aware that these prices cause hardship to persons whose household effects have been damaged in air-raids; and whether he will take steps either to control the prices of such second-hand furniture or to authorise local authorities to buy up such furniture for purposes of re-sale or distribution to persons in need?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. The Central Price Regulation Committee already have certain of the matters to which the hon. Member refers under consideration, and I am asking them to press on with their inquiries.

Mr. Adams

Is not the Minister aware that this is a serious grievance in many poorer parts of large cities?