HC Deb 20 July 1937 vol 326 cc1943-4
18. Mr. Leonard

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the various voluntary attempts that have been made to compile a census of distribution; the limitations under which such efforts have laboured; and whether he will take steps to institute a census of distribution capable of presenting to the nation a true picture of this important service?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer the hon. Member to the observations of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on this subject, in the Debate on 29th January last on the Shops (Retail Trading Safeguards) Bill.

Mr. Leonard

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the voluntary efforts that have been made by other organisations is a measure of the value of such a census to trade in this country in general, and in view of the fact that voluntary efforts have failed, will he not press upon the Government the desirability of a census of distribution being taken which will be complementary to the census of production?

Mr. Stanley

The Parliamentary Secretary has informed the House, and I have recently given an assurance to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane), that we should be ready to receive on this subject a deputation representing associations which are interested, and if the hon. Member would send in the names of associations of traders which desire this census, it would be of assistance to us.

Mr. Cartland

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of a census of distribution carried out by certain commercial firms in this country as an indication of what might be done?

Mr. Stanley

I think a copy has been sent to the Board of Trade officially.