§ 76. Sir R. Rossasked the President of the Board of Trade why it is still impossible to buy a briar pipe of reasonable quality and at a price within the means of the poorer members of the community; and whether his regulations permit manufacturers to buy an appropriate quantity of briar root.
§ Sir S. CrippsI agree that it is difficult, but it is not impossible. Most of the briarwood that is imported is made into pipes which, by agreement with the manufacturers, sell at prices ranging from 5s. 6d.to 10s.6d. Licences to import briarwood are readily granted and sufficient to manufacture nearly half a million pipes has come in since last July. Supplies of briarwood are, however, very scarce and pipes of other woods are being manufactured in considerable quantities.
§ Sir R. RossCan the Minister give some precise indication of where it is possible, although it may be difficult, to get pipes, because after a very earnest ' search I have not been sufficiently fortunate to find them?
§ Sir S. CrippsTobacconists.
§ Sir R. RossCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman give the name of any firm which is getting a supply of pipes?
§ Sir S. CrippsI would not like to name any special firm because that would be giving undue preference.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if he will cross the border into Eire he can buy any number of pipes?