§ 71. Lieut.-Colonel Rees-Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will utilise the services of the Technical Cost Investigation Department, now operating in the armament industries to investigate and make recommendations on the present state of peacetime industries, with a view to the increased and more efficient production of goods for the home and export markets.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithNo, Sir. We are, however, consulting both sides of industry with a view to organizing within the Board of Trade a Production Efficiency Service to provide help for firms who desire it similar to the help given by the Production Efficiency Board of the Ministry of Aircraft Production during the war.
§ Mr. StokesWill the Board of Trade bear in mind that the much better system is to require firms to give an audited statement of their profits, and do away with all this?
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWill my hon. Friend also pay attention to prices fixed by the Price Regulation Committee, who are allowing 100 per cent. on watches from the manufacturer's price to the retailer's price?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithYes, Sir, that is already being done.