§ Mr. Martinasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to increase the import of sponges into this country and to reduce their retail price.
§ Mr. DaltonPrices of sponges are at present controlled under the Prices of Goods Act, 1939. Last year the Central Price Regulation Committee investigated, at my request, the possibility of a maximum price Order for sponges. But they advised me that, in view of the very wide variation in sizes and qualities, this would not be practicable. The supply of sponges is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply. Blight in the Bahamas fisheries and the enemy 2215W occupation of Greece and the Aegean Islands have seriously restricted supplies. But I hope that, as a result of events now taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean, imports will increase.