44. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade why the wholesaler and retailer profits on utility lighters have been fixed at a higher basis than normally apply to articles of utility use; and why they are higher than for matches' distribution?
§ Mr. DaltonThe wholesaler's and retailer's margins for utility lighters are not higher than those allowed for other utility articles. The margins of profit allowed on the distribution of matches are those customary in the trade; they are lower than those for utility lighters because matches are, and always have been, handled in much larger quantities.
§ Captain PooleWill my right hon. Friend say why the utility lighter is retailed at about 6s. 6d., when a lighter of identical design and superior finish is retailed in America at 35 cents, which is 1s. 8d.?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. In this country We impose an Excise Duty of 2S. 6d., which is paid by the manufacturer of utility lighters.