§ 26. Major Bruceasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to ensure that children's Christmas toys are made available to the public at reasonable prices by the time the Christmas shopping season commences; and to ensure that the actions of manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers, who endeavour to take advantage of a scarcity market by selling worthless toys at high prices are brought within the scope of the criminal law.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe prices of toys are controlled by the Toys and Indoor Games 10 (Maximum Prices and Records) Order, 1943, under which a number of prosecutions have been instituted. I have asked local price regulation committees to pay special attention to these goods during the Christmas season. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me particulars of any cases of alleged overcharging brought to his attention, I will gladly have them investigated.
§ Major BruceIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman completely satisfied with the administrative machinery at his disposal, at present, to deal with this question, during the coming winter?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am never satisfied that there is complete perfection of any administrative machinery, but this is as good as we can make it.