§ Mr. R. Morganasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the strong feeling in the furniture trade that the effect of the new maximum price orders will be both unfair and detrimental to the trade, he is prepared to make any modifications; and, in particular, whether he is prepared to amend the regulations so as to exempt existing stocks which already conform to previous regulations.
§ Mr. DaltonA scandalous state of affairs had developed in certain sections of the second-hand furniture trade, injurious alike to the general public and to honest dealers. I am determined to stop this exploitation of a scarcity market, and this is the object of these maximum price orders. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade last week met representatives of trade organisations who have throughout been most helpful, and certain constructive suggestions made by them are now being considered.