BRITISH PROFITEERING ACT.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15307, 21 February 1920, Page 5

BRITISH PROFITEERING ACT.

PRICES OF TOBACCO

RESULT OF INQUIRY.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received Feb. 20, 8.5 p.m.) London, Feb. 20. In the report of the Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act to inquire into the prices of tobacco, the committee points out that prices have risen 110 per cent since 1914, but that the duty has risen about 122 per cent. It finds no evidence that the Company's operations have contributed in any way to the rise in price. The Committee refrains from suggesting any safeguards against the monopoly, but urges regular publication of the profits of all combinations. It also urges tihe Govern-! merit to take powers to protect the public against any detrimental monopoly. The report does not deal with collateral companies in the Dominions.