43. Lieut. - Colonel MOORE - BRA-BAZONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can see his way to have the question of coupon trading investigated by a Departmental Committee?
§ Dr. BURGINMy right hon. Friend is proposing to appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into this question. The composition and terms of reference of the Committee will be announced in 1602 due course. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that the Government must retain complete discretion in regard to any recommendations that the Committee may make.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSAs there are in my constituency several hundreds of people earning their livelihood by making gifts, I wonder whether the Government have considered the certainty that large numbers of orders will be cancelled while the matter is under consideration, and whether the Government will reconsider their decision to appoint a Committee?
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESMay I ask whether the Government have taken into consideration the strong expression of opinion in the House on Friday last against the appointment of a Committee?
§ Dr. BURGINMy right hon. Friend has certainly taken into account the views expressed in the Debate on Friday, but his view is that the problem cannot be disposed of in two or three hours on a Friday afternoon, and that a problem remains which should be inquired into.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONWill the Parliamentary Secretary give us the reasons of the right hon. Gentleman for setting up this Committee?
§ Sir JOHN HASLAMWill the hon. Member take care that representatives of retailers are on the Committee?
§ Dr. BURGINThe matter shall be borne in mind.