§ Mr. PERCYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, almost immediately upon the opening of the recent exhibition of motor cars at Olympia, practically the whole of the English manufacturers suddenly raised the prices of their cars in sums varying from £50 to £300; whether this action was taken by concerted arrangement among the manufacturers; whether it is justified by the attitude of labour in the motor-car trade or otherwise; whether he is aware that the action of the manufacturers has raised resentment on the part of intending buyers, and that large numbers of contracts for purchase have been cancelled: and whether ho will cause inquiries to be made into the whole matter with a view to taking action, if justified, to put a stop to combines, or trusts, or profiteering in motor cars against the public interests?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware that there is at present a large demand for motor cars, and that the prices charged have been at a high level. My right hon. Friend will consider the advisability of taking the action suggested in the last part of the question, but I would remind my hon. Friend that there are many articles requiring investigation which are more generally used by the public than private motor cars