Mr. COLLINSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the price of matches per dozen remains at 10½d. as against 2½d. pre-War; to what extent duties are responsible for this difference in price; and will he make inquiries as to profiteering in the match trade?
§ Mr. LUNNMy information confirms, generally, the hon. Member's statement as to the present and pre-War prices of matches. The present price includes about 3¾d. in respect of duties. The Standing Committee on Prices under the Profiteering Acts made an investigation into the prices of matches in 1920 and reported that the profit made by the industry was reasonable. I am not aware of any facts which make it desirable to re-open the investigation, but I shall be glad to consider any relevant information which the hon. Member may be in a position to supply.