HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 c2054
53. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether steps will be taken for encouraging the manufacture and sale in this country of luxuries and non-essentials during the period of this War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the hon. Member means encouraging, as appears in the question, the answer is in the negative; but if he means discouraging it is in the-affirmative.

Mr. BILLING

That is the reply I wish, and I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would consider the advisability of actively discouraging instead of passively encouraging the manufacture and sale of luxuries and non-essentials?