§ 56. Mr. Thorneasked the President of the Board of Trade what he intends doing to stop the toy profiteering; and whether he is aware that 25s. is being charged for a rag doll and of the loophole in the Maximum Prices Order which limits retailers to a profit margin of 33⅓ per cent.?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)My right hon. Friend made an Order on 12th October controlling the prices of toys at all stages of manufacture and distribution. The Central Price Regulation Committee went into the matter very carefully and I am satisfied that the margins fixed are reasonable. I know of no loophole in the Order, but if my hon. Friend will tell me what he has in mind we will look into it.
§ Mr. ThorneI think it is quite evident, according to the Question about the charges made for dolls, that there is a loophole somewhere.
§ Captain WaterhouseIf my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any doll in which he is particularly interested, I will have the particulars looked into.
§ Mr. ThorneAll children and all parents are interested in dolls, and I have sent along all the information I had.