CONSUMERS, COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 7

CONSUMERS , COUNCIL.

Profiteering Safeguard At Home. COST OF LIVING INQUIRY. (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, May" 1. Tho text is issued of the Government Bill for the creation of a Consumers' Council. The council is to consist of seven members, of whom two at least must be women, but additional members may be appointed by the Board of Trade for any particular inquiry. The council will concern itself with articles of food of general consumption, Avearing apparel, clothing material, fuels, and any other article of common use which the board may ask it to inquire into. The council is empowered to examine anyone on oath, to call for a written statement, and to examine books, accounts, and other documents where the council reports that an excessive price is being charged. It may set out what it considers a proper price, and recommend that, the Board of Trade make an order for the purpose of securing compliance. Upon issue of such an order by the Board of Trade, contraveners will be liable to penalties of £5 in the case of a first offence, or not exceeding £10 or three months' imprisonment, or both together for subsequent offences. The Board of Trade order may not only govern the actual selling wholesale or retail price, but also the brokerage or commission rate.