§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of his expressed desire to ascertain whether-price exploitation exists, if he will have inquiry made and state what is the price at which sewing cotting is now sold and if J. and P. Coats, Limited, have just declared a net profit of £3,387,395 for the year ended 30th June, 1913, after allowing for depreciation and the Excess Profits Duty; and, in the event of his being satisfied that an undue profit has been made by this firm in time of war out of the sale of a commodity largely used by poor people, if he will exercise the powers he possesses to reduce the price of sewing cotton?
Mr. RUNCIMANI have seen Press statements to the effect that the profits of the company during 1915–16 are as stated by my hon. Friend, and I am causing inquiries to be made.