NECESSARY POWERS
The revival of the powers formerly vested in the Board of Trade may not lead to definite or drastic action in any direction; but it is a wise precaution. Such powers, however, extending as they do to price-fixing recommendations, and other measures of control, require to be carefully safeguarded. Sir Francis Bell, id introducing the Bill reviving the powers, argued that the Minister of Industries and Commerce could best supply the safeguard. As the Minister may be controlled by Parliament, we are unable to see Tiow a better safeguard could" be obtained. Wide powers such as are given are always dangerous to the-same extent that they are effective. If they are made innocuous they are also made ineffective. Yet they are necessary for the public good, and if they are wisely exercised upon the advice of competent men they should result in >benefit, with little risk of harm. Not the least important power conferred by the Board of Trade Amendment Bin is the authority to conduct judicial inquiries and investigations. The prospect of light being shed upon dark places will often act as a powerful deterrent of commercial abuses. In addition, there is the wide field of inquiry open for constructive purposes.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1923, Page 6
Word Count
204NECESSARY POWERS Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1923, Page 6
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