§ 12. Sir F. Sandersonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware Of the concern which is felt by the distributing trades, due to the increasing departmental regulations relating to retail trades; and whether he will review same with a view to the cessation and/or relaxation of the regulations affecting the distribution of available commodities?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware of the difficulties that are inevitably experienced by the distributing trades in present circumstances, and if my hon. Friend will say what departmental regulations he has in mind, my right hon. Friend will consider whether a review would be possible.
§ Sir F. SandersonI will send my hon. and gallant Friend the particulars which he requires, but is he not aware that shops as a whole are suffering very severely, and will he do all he can to relieve the pressure upon them?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware of the difficulties in which the retail trade is placed, and my right hon. Friend has the whole matter most carefully under his eye.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the hon. and gallant Member get into touch with the joint committee of employers and employ és in the distributive trades, when he will find out the harassing life of those behind the counter in trying to meet the needs of customers under present conditions?
§ Captain WaterhouseWe are in touch with all concerned in the retail trades. It is a matter of very live interest to us.