32. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will revoke the import licences of firms importing tea and other foodstuffs who withhold, or threaten to withhold, supplies from grocers who sell these foodstuffs to the public at prices lower than those fixed by the trade concerned.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir.
Mr. WilsonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice which is going on is a scandalous one, and is artificially keeping the cost of living higher than it otherwise would be? Is he seriously telling us that he will spend two years considering whether to refer the matter to the Monopolies Commission, wait another two years for its report, and then decide whether to take action? Has not he all the facts in this case, and will not he take action now?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe right hon. Gentleman is suggesting that I should use import licences—which are supposed to be used for balance of payments reasons—as a method of enforcing decisions of the Monopolies Commission. I find it a remarkable suggestion, coming from him.
Mr. WilsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I never suggested that he should do this to enforce the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission? I hope that he is not going to waste two years referring the matter to the Monopolies Commission. Is he aware that he has a responsibility to the public, and especially to the old-age pensioners, in this matter? Cannot we have some action from him at some time?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe right hon. Member knows the rules about import licensing, and he also knows that what he has suggested would be a most improper use of them.