§ Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the particulars published in trade journals showing that, with the. view of keeping up prices, the Motor Manufacturers Association compel motor dealers to pay sums amounting in some cases to £500 to the funds of the association if they sell cars below the scheduled list, or inform them that in the alternative no cars will be supplied them for sale; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such rings for the maintenance of prices illegal?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that the policy of motor car manufacturers and motor traders generally is to prevent the sale of a motor car at a price below the maker's list price for that car, but I am not acquainted with the precise terms of the agreements designed to give effect to that policy, which I may point out does not prevent active price competition between manufacturers. As at present advised I am not prepared to introduce legislation on the subject.