§ 16. Mrs. Mannasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that retailers of radiogramophones are being offered price reductions by manufacturers on condition that these concessions are not passed on to the customer and are retained to increase the profits; and, as these profit increases range from £4 8s. 8d. to £9 per item, if he will take steps, by the imposition of price control or otherwise, to stop this practice.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir.
§ Mrs. MannIs the President of the Board of Trade content to allow these manufacturers to pass on profit reductions of £9 with instructions that they must be retained, and that the list prices must not be reduced? Does not he remember the promise about mending the hole in the purse? Would not a reduction of £9 per set go a considerable way towards repairing the hole in the purse?
§ Sir D. EcclesNeither the Board of Trade nor the Ministry of Supply has any power to control the price of radio-gramophones. As I understand it, this case may be one of resale price maintenance by a single firm, in which event it is not illegal.