§ Dr. ADDISONasked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that a ring or combine is being formed by Army clothing contractors for the purpose of raising prices and placing firms outside the ring at a disadvantage in the purchase of their materials, and that steps are being taken to have a preliminary agreement submitted for signature to-morrow, Wednesday, 9th April; and what steps have been
1010Wtaken, or will be taken, to prevent this restraint of trade and unnecessary increase in the cost of the clothing supplied to the Regular and Territorial Forces?
§ Mr. H. BAKERThe operation of the Trade Boards Act will probably tend to standardise and somewhat increase prices for the make-up of Army clothing, especially as the material is issued to contractors from store. It is not apprehended that there would be any difficulty in dealing with the situation if it should appear that prices are being unduly raised.