15. Miss Leeasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the high rate of profit extracted by the trade rings controlling the selling price of sparking plugs and anti-freeze; and if he will refer these trades to the Monopolies Commission.
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware of what is alleged about the prices of these articles. Sparking plugs will be included in the reference to the Monopolies Commission on certain electrical equipment for motor vehicles announced by my predecessor on 23rd November. Anti-freeze will be borne in mind when considering future references to the Commission.
Miss LeeIs the Minister aware that his Answer is thoroughly unsatisfactory? May I take it for granted that he is aware that the profit that the retailer has to ask on anti-freeze is over 100 per cent. and on sparking plugs just under 100 per cent., and that at least one retailer to my knowledge has been served with legal notice and is in danger of going to gaol because he thinks that 50 per cent. profit is adequate?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is exactly the kind of question which will now be investigated.
§ Eastern German Government? Is anything being done to provide a financial arrangement which will facilitate the exchange of goods between our two countries?
§ Sir D. EcclesAs the hon. Member knows, we do not have official relations with Eastern Germany and, therefore, we cannot make any inter-governmental arrangements.
§ Following is the information:
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
Miss LeeOn a point of order. The Minister has said that this is the kind of question that will be investigated, but I have got this information and he has every means of getting it. When, there-fore, can the public have protection?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order.