HC Deb 14 March 1917 vol 91 cc1092-3
81. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether shopkeepers who have already printed their catalogues and have them in stock for summer trade will be allowed to utilise them; and can his Department hold out any hope that firms carrying on a legitimate supply trade of essential articles will be permitted to circularise purchasers on their lists of customers with whom they have formerly had transactions?

Mr. ROBERTS

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12th March to the hon. Member for Carmarthenshire West. As regards the second part, there is nothing to prevent traders from circularising their customers and inviting them to apply for such catalogues or price lists as they may require.

Mr. WATT

Wealthy firms can still advertise their wares in the newspapers, and this catalogue prohibition strikes the poorer firms. Will the hon. Gentlemman put them on an equality?

Mr. CURRIE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that bucket shops, while profes- sing to comply with the requirements issued the other day, are really evading them?

Mr. ROBERTS

If the hon. Member will give me any specific instance I will inquire into it.

Mr. CURRIE

I shall be very glad to do so.

Mr. ROBERTS

With respect to the other question we have no control of advertisements in newspapers, so far.