§ 39. Sir Reginald Blairasked the President of the Board of Trade at what price per yard does he authorise the sale of dyed hessian for the benefit of welfare for the troops in the County of Middlesex; and will he state the wholesale and retail prices for such material.
§ Mr. DaltonOnly very small stocks of dyed hessian now remain in retailers' hands, further manufacture being controlled by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, and limited to essential war purposes. There are no ceiling prices for the old stocks, which are subject only the Prices of Goods Act, 1939.
§ Sir R. BlairIs the Minister aware that the County Welfare Officer is obliged to pay 5s. 11d. per yard and is being offered as much as he wants at 1s. 9d.? In order to save public money, will the right hon. Gentleman give approval to this officer to pay the lower price?
§ Mr. DaltonThe stocks remaining are very small, and if my hon. Friend would like to discuss this particular case with me I would be glad to do so. It is not worth while going through the elaborate procedure of fixing prices for these very small stocks.