§ 72 Mr. HAYDAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in the event of a local authority making a request to the Disposal Board for supplies of domestic utensils, blankets, boots, etc., that are surplus to the Government requirements, such supplies will be allowed for the purpose of selling the same to the inhabitants in the locality, particularly to the poorer classes, who will otherwise suffer acutely during the coming winter owing to the cost of these necessities?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYAs I stated on 28th October, in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Barnard Castle. I do not think that municipal authorities are conveniently organised for undertaking retail trade. At the same time any application for the purchase of surplus material will receive full consideration on the part of the Disposal Board.
§ Colonel P. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether he is aware that the French Government is selling direct to the consumer, and will he inquire of the French Government how it is done?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI think we have information on that point as well as the French Government, and the Disposal Board is selling a good deal of the material direct to the consumer, but you cannot lay down a general policy in these matters.