§ 8. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the stock-in-trade of Messrs. Lewis's, Limited, which in February, 1939, stood at £497,710, in February, 1940, had risen to £696,740, and a year later to £878,721; and whether he is satisfied that no evasion of the limitation of supplies imposed upon traders as a whole has been permitted in this case?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lyttelton)Yes, Sir. The obligation to limit supplies is not imposed upon traders as a whole but upon manufacturers and wholesalers. I have no evidence to suggest that there has been any evasion of the Limitation of Supplies Orders by any of Messrs. Lewis's suppliers. I understand that the increase in the value of Messrs. Lewis's stocks to which the hon. Member calls attention is due chiefly to the rise in prices of dry goods and to the Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. StokesDoes my right hon. Friend really expect us to believe that a 100 per cent. increase in the value of stocks is due to the rise in prices? Further, does he think it fair that firms of this kind should get these stocks while the small traders are unable to get their legal requirements?
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsDo I understand that it is the modern version of 9d. for 4d.?