§ Mr. LOUGHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any definition of the word profiteering was agreed upon between the Food Controller and the two deputations who have waited upon him with regard to this matter, and, if so, what it was; whether a case was substantiated in which this evil was proved generally to exist, and, if so, in what trades; and whether he can undertake, having regard to the importance of the subject, to lay before the House at the earliest possible moment any evidence that he may receive and any proposals the Government may have to make in order that Parliament may have an opportunity of considering them before any action is taken?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo definition of the word profiteering has been agreed upon. It would serve no useful purpose to specify the allegations made by the deputations in question, which were of a private character. The Government have promised to give an opportunity for the discussion of the whole matter, but that must not be taken to mean that nothing will be done before the discussion takes place. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that the Food Controller does not propose to act without proper investigation of the facts.