§ Mr. NIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the exploitation of the public by profiteers, particularly in relation to food and consumable stores, he will consider the desirability of promoting legislation to make illegal all trade combinations and trusts formed for the purpose of controlling prices or whose operations do in fact produce that result?
1807W
Mr. ROBERTSIf the question refers to temporary measures for the period of the War I am disposed to think that there is already sufficient power under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to deal with any person or combination who may attempt to extort unreasonable prices for necessaries. If permanent legislation 13 intended I am bound to say that I see considerable difficulty in devising a measure which will obviate the evils to which the hon. Member refers without at the same time hindering legitimate and beneficial forms of business activity and co-operation. I am, however, fully alive to the importance of the matter, and will gladly consider any practical suggestions that the hon. Member may care to make.