§ 77. Sir Harold Webbeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement about the price control of second-hand furniture.
78. Mrs. Adamsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to announce the steps he proposes to take to tighten up control of the prices of second-hand furniture.
§ Captain WaterhouseAfter consultation with the Central Price Regulation Committee, my right hon. Friend has decided to fix maximum prices in cash for articles of furniture of the types most commonly in use. For this purpose the articles will be divided into categories according to size, class of wood and other factors which make for differences in value. With the help of experts detailed schedules have been drawn up, and these are now being discussed with the trade organisations, whose co-operation I greatly appreciate. The maximum prices will apply not only to sales by dealers but also to sales by auction and to sales on commission.
§ Sir H. WebbeIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a great deal of the rise in price of second-hand furniture is due to the activities of speculators who "gate-crash" the industry and, by posing as private individuals, have evaded all the control regulations; and will he do everything in his power to eliminate these very undesirable speculators?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir, I am well aware of this most unfortunate innovation in the trade and of the difficulty it is causing to the honest trader. We have it fully in mind and we are going to do our best to deal with it.
§ Sir Richard AclandIs this not an example of private enterprise which is supported by the party opposite?
Mrs. AdamsonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his answer will give general satisfaction to the public, and may I thank the Board of Trade that at long last it is trying to do something?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am grateful to my hon. Friend.