§ 19. Mr. G. Straussasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to stop the present widespread profiteering in toys.
§ 25. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make on the subject of the price and quality of Christmas toys.
§ Mr. DaltonThe prices of toys have been controlled, since April, 1943. There have been a number of prosecutions for overcharging, and I will gladly look into any cases which are brought to my notice. I have asked local price regulation committees to give special attention to this matter during the Christmas season. As regards quality, the range of available materials is very limited, and much ingenuity is being shown by toy makers.
§ Mr. StraussIs the Minister aware that, in practically every toyshop, fantastic prices are being asked for rubbishy articles, and that this is seriously penalising the children of the country, many of whom will be unable to have any Christmas presents at all this Christmas?
§ Mr. DaltonI have taken special steps to increase the quota, and this will increase the supplies of toys available. The public ought not to buy rubbish, but should make complaint in the proper quarter.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownIs the Minister aware that the hon. Member for Rugby, who is not too well blessed with this world's goods, was charged 9s. at the Army and Navy Stores recently for a box of wooden squares covered with rough paint, and will he take steps to see that justice is done?
§ Mr. BuchananIs the Minister also aware that this matter affects the children of serving men abroad, as it is impossible for the mothers of these children to buy toys, and that these women are much too worried already to complain about the matter; and will he not instruct his officers to make complaints, instead of leaving it to the poor women to do so?
§ Mr. DaltonWe do our best in the matter, but the governing factor is the shortage of materials. I have done my best to increase the supply of toys; I have made Orders from time to time regulating the prices to be charged for them, and I look to the public to co-operate in bringing cases of overcharging to the right authorities so that we can deal with them. There have been no fewer than 45 prosecutions for overcharging.
§ Mr. John DugdaleMay we know what penalties were inflicted in the cases where the prosecutions were successful?
§ Mr. DaltonNot without notice.