33. Mr. Craik Hendersonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that recently Leeds has had practically no pipe tobacco or cigarettes for sale in tobacconists' shops; what is the reason for this; and whether he will see that this city is treated fairly in comparison with other parts of the country?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)I have made inquiries among manufacturers and distributors and am assured that supplies of tobacco and cigarettes sent to Leeds have represented a fair share of the total output. As I have stated in reply to previous Questions, demand throughout the country exceeds supply, and there is a tendency in many areas for retailers to sell out their stocks before fresh supplies arrive. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Board of Trade are fully aware of the difficulties of the general situation.
Mr. HendersonDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the acute shortage there is? Out of 11 shops that I visited last month 10 had no pipe tobacco or cigarettes and the other had no cigarettes or matches, and cannot something be done about it?
§ Captain WaterhouseI realise that in certain areas, especially towards the end 153 of the month, there is an acute shortage, but we are doing what we can to get round the difficulty.
§ Sir T. MooreIs not the reason that an unfairly large proportion is sent to N.A.A.F.I.? That has been suggested in many parts of the country.
§ Captain WaterhouseI do not think that is the cause.