§ 79. Sir T. Mooreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the clothes rationing system, it is his intention in any way to regulate and curtail the contemplated New Year sales in various large West End shops?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)We are forced by war conditions to impose many restrictions upon traders, and I do not think that the further restriction mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend should be added. I cannot too strongly emphasise, however, that the public must exercise economy in purchasing clothing, bearing in mind that when their present stock of coupons is exhausted they will be unable to buy more clothing until the next issue of coupons is available in June.
§ Sir T. MooreI fear that my hon. and gallant Friend has misunderstood me. I asked whether it was the intention of the Department that all reasonable trade should continue, so far as was possible, under Orders arising out of the Defence Regulations?
§ Captain WaterhouseCertainly, Sir.
§ 81. Mr. Bossomasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue instructions for the honorary treasurers to squadrons of the Auxiliary Training Corps to be allowed to purchase gymnasium shoes for the cadets without giving up clothing coupons?
§ Captain WaterhouseI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 9th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay), a copy of which I am sending to him.