ALLEGED " PROFITEERING "

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3185, 8 September 1917, Page 10

ALLEGED " PROFITEERING "

INQUIRIES TO BE MADE.

A question about alleged "profiteering" was asked in the House yesterday afternoon by Mr. Hornsby. Hβ, quoted a published statement by a shopkeeper in Masterton to the effect that big profits were being mado out ofl'ood by big merchants, and Jiot by retailers. The prico of salt was shortly to be raised by 110 per cent. The tea duty was 3d. per lb. and tho prico was raised by -Id. per lb. Tea originally sold at Is. 10d. per lb. would now bo S>. 2d., and tea previously sold at 2s. would <;ost 2s. id. Mr. Hornsby asked whether tho Prime Minister would take immediate steps to deal with this matter of profiteering. The Prime Minister said ho would bo pleased to refer the matter <>f tho increase in the prico of snlt to the Board of Trade. As it happened ho had aslteJ. the Board of Trade to inquire into the price of tea. Tho board was advised that in consequenco of tho increased duly ot 3d. per lb. the prico would be increased by id. and the board considered this fn.tr Probably in future tho price would be increased "by 3d., and tho etandawl of quality would he slightly reduced Iho board considered that m tho wholesalo and retail trade in tea there was keen, enough competition to keep prices at a reasonable level. Into tho other points raised he would be very glad to have inquiries made.