§ 18 and 19. Mr. MABANEasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in view of the increased and in- 956 creasing importance of distribution as a factor of prosperity, he is prepared to give careful consideration to the proposal to appoint a Royal Commission to examine and report upon existing methods of distribution;
(2) whether he is aware that no machinery exists for co-ordinating the activities of those engaged in the productive side of industry with the activities of those engaged in the distributive side; and, in view of the great benefit which would accrue to producers, distributors, and the community if such machinery did exist and of the fact that the difficulties in the way of establishing such machinery without an initiative from the Government are almost insuperable, whether he is prepared to give careful consideration to proposals which have for their object the establishment of such coordinating machinery?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI share my hon. Friend's view as to the increasing importance of distribution and as to the desirability of close co-operation between producers and distributors; and I shall be glad to consider any specific proposals to that end. As at present advised, however, I think the question can best be considered in relation to particular trades, and by those engaged in those trades rather than by an inquiry relating to trade as a whole.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he would receive support from all parts of the House for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the question? Does this mean that the hon. Member who puts the question favours the planning of industry?
§ Mr. J. WALLACEIs not this a matter entirely for the industries themselves?