§ 8. Sir T. Mooreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that small plain earthenware jugs, formerly retailed at 1s. 9d. each, are now being sold at 6s. 11d.; and whether he will do something to stop this exploitation of the public?
§ Mr. DaltonUnder the Domestic Pottery (Maximum Prices) Order, which I made last June, the maximum retail prices for plain earthenware jugs range from 1s. 2d. to 2s. 9½d., plus Purchase Tax, depending on size and grade. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me details of any specific cases where higher prices have been charged, I will have investigations made by the local price regulation committee, to whom, of course, complaints can be addressed direct by any member of the public.
§ Sir T. MooreIs my right hon. Friend aware that when the 6s. 11d. mark is rubbed off these jugs it is possible to see the original mark of 1s. 9d., which shows clearly that there is exploitation of the consumer?
§ Mr. DaltonWe are always prepared to prosecute in cases of deliberate evasion of these price control Orders. The most expeditious course is for the persons who have a right to complain locally to lay the matter before the local price regulation committee; but since my hon. and gallant Friend has raised the matter, perhaps he will communicate with me, and we will go into it.