§ Mr. Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether his attention has been called to the representations of the North Midland Food Investigation Committee to the effect that excessive prices are being charged for tinned tomatoes and that without fixture of price a committee is powerless adequately to deal with the numerous complaints received; whether, and from what date, price control is to be imposed; what action is being taken on these representations; and what is the reason for the delay;
(2) what steps can be taken by food investigation committees who report, after examination, that excessive prices are being charged for articles of food not yet controlled in price, so as to operate as a deterrent to further profiteering; and whether he will inform such committees who consider themselves powerless how they can act in the matter?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend has received representations from the North Midland Food Price Investigation Committee recommending action to control the price of canned tomatoes. No similar recommendation has been received from other local food price investigation committees, but immediate steps are being taken to obtain information from other parts of the country with a view to the control of prices should that course prove1366W necessary. No representations have reached my Noble Friend from any of the local food price investigation committees to the effect that they consider themselves powerless to take steps tending to stop profiteering, and under the prescribed procedure they are at liberty to make recommendations regarding any uncontrolled foodstuffs.