HC Deb 02 October 1924 vol 177 cc357-8W
Mr. STRANGER

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware/ of the recent advance in the price of bread and other household necessaries, particularly in the case of those dutiable articles of household consumption on which the duty was reduced by the 1924 Budget; whether he has information indicating that rings exist with a view to taking advantage of the reduction in duty to advance the price; and if he intends to take any action to deal with the situation thereby created?

(2) the average retail price of tea on the day before the present Government came into office, on the day on which the Budget of 1924 was introduced, and on the 30th September, 1924; whether he has information that the advance in price is due to concerted action by those in a position to create an artificial rise in price; and what action, if any, the Government proposes to take with a view to preventing profiteering in essentials?

Major WHELER

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the retail prices of tea on 30th September; and what were the prices on the 31st March last?

Mr. SIDNEY WEBB

The various movements of both retail and wholesale prices are being closely watched, but I must point out that they have not been all in one direction; and it would be incorrect to say that they have been particularly marked in the case of those dutiable articles on which the duty was reduced by the last Budget. With regard to the prices of tea. and sugar on particular dates, I am having a table prepared showing the course of prices at various dates during the present year, but I am not yet able to give average figures for the 30th September as asked for by the hon. Members, and the table shall be completed as soon as possible. I may observe that nothing that can properly be termed an arithmetical average of retail prices for all parts of the whole Kingdom can be compiled, but representative figures shall be given. I have at present no information indicating that the variations in prices, either upward or downward, have been due to other than general economic causes; arid, in particular, I have no evidence that the changes are due to concerted action by dealers whether wholesale or retail. But the subject is engaging the constant attention of the Board of Trade with a view to such action being taken as may be practicable.