asked the President dent of the Board of Trade if he is-aware that retailers are only selling saucers to purchasers providing they buy cups or mugs to go with them; and whether he will take steps to prevent this condition of sale in these instances.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the practice referred to and if, as is usual, it is the trader's normal practice not to sell cups and saucers separately he is quite entitled, under Section 9 of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Act, 1941, to refuse to do so. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any case where it is unlikely that the trader can so justify his action,I will ask the local price regulation committee to investigate.