Mr. Ganmmansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been made by the Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods Association of Jamaica regarding the maximum selling prices of luxury goods; and if he is aware of the danger of the growth of black marketing if the present price continues.
Mr. Creech JonesRepresentations have been made to the Jamaica Government by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce on behalf of traders in textiles, clothing and footwear about the recent reductions in the margins of profit permitted on such goods. These reductions were made by order of the Jamaica Government in December, 1946, and affect a wide range of goods upon which it was considered that excessive profits were being made. Representatives of the trade have particularly complained of reductions in the margins of profit permitted on luxury goods. There is no evidence that a black market will be created, as the luxury goods affected are mostly in good supply.