§ 14. Mrs. Mannasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction concerning free gift schemes and temporary coupon reductions now operating over an increasing amount of commodities; and if he will take steps to end this practice.
§ Mr. J. RodgersThe practice of offering free gifts and temporary coupon reductions is a particular form of advertising the object of which is to increase sales. I am aware that differing views are held about the desirability of the practice. The Board of Trade has no powers to prevent the practice, and I see no reason to seek them.
§ Mrs. MannIs not this practice paid for by all of us? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction when bachelors and spinsters of 40 years of age and over are offered little dollies when buying soap? Is he further aware that the practice of giving coupons to grocers for the money equivalent carries no guarantee that the money equivalent will be passed on to the consumer?
§ Mr. RodgersThere is no evidence that this form of advertisement or selling is a charge on the consumer any more than is any other form. Indeed, on the question of value for money, the publication "Which?", published by an independent body, reported on 7th April this 223 year that the cutlery offered by the manufacturers of, for instance, Quaker Oats and Kellogg's was very good value for money.