§ Major HENDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is 1640W aware that tobacco manufacturers propose shortly to increase the prices of all kinds of tobacco owing to alleged increased cost of materials and advances in wages; and whether, in view of the fact that tobacco is consumed by all classes of the community, that its sale in this country is largely in the hands of a trust, and that the last published report of the Imperial Tobacco Company, Limited, showed trading profits for the year approaching £4,000,000, he is prepared to have inquiry made as to whether such increases are justified?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have seen certain statements in the Press as to the possibility of the increases in the price of manufactures of tobacco, and should such increases be made I will consider the desirability of adopting the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend.