The text has been published of Mr. Wheatley's Bill to
prevent excessive charges for building materials and to provide for an adequate supply of these materials. The Bill provides that if the Minister of Health informs the Board of Trade that the price of materials appears to him to be excessive the Board shall have power to investigate prices, the conditions of supply, and costs and profits, at all their stages. If, as a result of the investigation, the Board is satisfied that prices are unreasonably high, it shall have power to fix prices. If the order fails to prevent the excessive charges, the Board may take further powers to control other businesses which are affecting the prices. Any. person who fails to comply with an order of the Board will be liable to a fine not exceeding 1100, or to imprisonment not ex- ceeding three months, or to both fine and imprisonment. The Government are thus taking powers to punish persons for sending up prices, although nobody has done more to send up prices so far than the Government them- selves by their Housing Bill.
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