57. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to assisting the small retailers throughout the country, he will fix both minimum and maximum selling prices of goods?
§ Captain WaterhouseNo, Sir.
Mr. De la BèreIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware of the enormous advantage to the multiple stores over the small 2155 retailer of the low minimum prices fixed and will he consider this matter again? And can he tell me why the report of the Retail Trade Committee has been published when that report is not available to the Members of this House? Why is this honourable House always ignored by the Board of Trade and this information given to the Press without any knowledge being given to the House at all?
§ Captain WaterhouseIn answer to the only part of the Supplementary Question which is relative to the Question on the Paper, I would point out to my hon. Friend that it is very often the small shopkeepers themselves who are able to sell under the maximum prices, and, therefore, in such cases, it would be a disadvantage to adopt any such proposal as my hon. Friend has in mind.
Mr. De la BèreIn view of the statement that has been made in the Press, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment. It is a slight on this honourable House.