58. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that certain wholesale firms are, during the present crisis, demanding cash payments before the despatch of goods instead of the usual terms of monthly payments, and that such a course is inconveniencing and hampering firms who have large Government orders to execute, and who have to wait for payment until their goods are received, checked, and the accounts sent to headquarters for payment; and whether some steps can be taken to induce the wholesale firms to return to their customary methods of obtaining payment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that the present War has in many instances led to considerable restrictions in ordinary credit facilities. I trust that normal credit conditions will gradually be restored, but I doubt whether, in present conditions, it is possible or desirable to bring any undue pressure to bear on wholesale dealers.