§ 35. Mr. Pentlandasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the growing concern about the cost of red griselda; and whether he will instruct the Monopolies Commission to make an 192 inquiry into what appears to be a monopolist control against the public interest.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)We have not received any complaints about the cost of this material. I shall, of course, be glad to consider any information which the hon. Member cares to let me have.
§ Mr. PentlandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a local authority in my constituency, which is responsible for a recreational scheme in its administrative area, now finds that the cost of this material has increased by over 500 per cent.? In November, 1950, it paid £3 16s. 9d. per ton for the substance, and in May this year it found that it would have to pay £17 16s. 6d. per ton? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is a really fantastic increase and that it should be investigated on behalf of the ratepayers in the area?
§ Mr. ErrollAs I said in my original Answer, my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any information he has passed on to him.