HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 cc581-2
11. Mr. Levy

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement on the further restrictions to be placed on home consumption; what is the state of accumulated stocks; and whether there is any unduly heavy buying by the public in anticipation of further restrictions?

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Andrew Duncan)

A Press announcement was recently made about the further restriction of supplies of cotton, rayon and linen goods which will be imposed after 30th September next. I am not at present in a position to make a statement about furher restrictions on supplies of other kinds of goods; the current period of restriction under the Limitation of Supplies (Miscellaneous) Order does not expire until 30th November. The available information indicates that stocks in the hands of retailers are heavier than at this time last year. There has been no indication of any unduly heavy buying by members of the public in recent months.