HC Deb 02 July 1935 vol 303 c1681
7. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the basis of his calculation of the annual retail trade of this country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am sending the hon. Member reprints of two articles from the Board of Trade Journal dealing with retail trade, on a monthly and on an annual basis, which contain information of the kind desired.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling that the basis of calculation is not satisfactory, and, in view of the fact that we are able to secure statistics about every other industry, is it not possible to go into this problem and secure statistics about the retail trade?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Gentleman will make some suggestions for the improvement of these returns, I will gladly consider them.