§ Mr. Burkeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the National Check Trades Federation has advised its members that, with the advent of the Purchase Tax, they may add a 50 per cent. profit to the wholesalers' invoice, thereby making a profit on the 33⅓ per cent. and charging their customers, who represent the poorest classes, £2 for an article costing only £1 from the wholesaler; and will he take steps to stop this exploitation?
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Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. I have seen the circular to which my hon. Friend refers, and the Central Price Regulation Committee are in communication with the Federation on the subject. The circular is a misleading and mischievous document which retailers will be well advised not to heed.