– in the House of Commons at on 11 March 1929.
Mr Ernest Thurtle
, Shoreditch
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the policy of the Government regarding the special situation which arises when a single undertaking or an associated group of undertakings dominates the supply and general distribution of an article of common use, the Government is contemplating any action to protect the public against the operations of trusts or combinations of this character such as the Tobacco Trust?
Sir Douglas Hacking
, Chorley
I have been asked to reply. The general attitude of the Government was explained in the statement to which the question refers. As regards the particular case mentioned, I may remind the hon. Member that a careful inquiry in 1919 by a committee under the chairmanship of the right hon. Member for the Seaham Division (Mr. Webb) reported that the existence of the Imperial Tobacco Company had not resulted in raising prices to the consumer.
Mr Ernest Thurtle
, Shoreditch
Does that reply mean that the Government are not contemplating any action at all against any other trusts or combines, except only the oil combine?
Sir Douglas Hacking
, Chorley
No, Sir.
Mr William Kelly
, Rochdale
Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the fact that the committees that were sitting in 1919 dealt with the position meets the situation that we have to face to-day?
Sir Douglas Hacking
, Chorley
There is no material change in the conditions since that date that make it necessary for the Government to interfere.
Lieut-Colonel Charles Howard-Bury
, Chelmsford
Were co-operative societies also included?
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