§ 90. Mr. Shurmerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continuing shortage of common household crockery and the inconvenience caused to large families especially where there are children; and why common cups sold by the manufacturer at 4s. 8d. per dozen, are permitted to be retailed at 9d. and 1s. per cup.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI am aware of the shortage of supplies of household crockery, at home and of the inconvenience that this shortage causes. In view, however, of the great and growing importance of pottery exports I cannot, I regret, promise any early easing of this position. The prices named by my hon. Friend seem out of line with the maximum prices provisions for earthenware cups and, if he will send me particulars of the case he has in mind, I will have it investigated.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large store in Birmingham—to give no names—are charging 1s. and 1s. 3d. for an ordinary cup, and does he think that the excess profits made on those cups are going to the Lord Woolton Fund—the right hon. Gentleman now knows where the store is?
§ Mr. WilsonI have already said that it my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of anyone who seems to be charging more than the maximum controlled price, I will be glad to look into the matter.
§ Mr. Edward DaviesIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that -the margin of profit 2293 allowed to the retailers is not disproportionate compared with the margin allowed to the producers?
§ Mr. WilsonAs my hon. Friend already knows, we are looking at the whole question of margins of profit in distribution.