HC Deb 07 May 1941 vol 371 cc842-3
37. Sir T. Moore

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to recompense retail traders in respect of breach of rental, or other contracts, incurred as a result of the restriction of business made necessary by recent legislation?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)

It would be contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government to grant compensation except where loss is due to direct enemy action. My right hon. Friend fully appreciates, however, the importance of this and other problems arising from the reduction in the amount of goods available for sale. While I cannot at present add to previous statements in the House, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend has this whole question under urgent review.

Sir T. Moore

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that my Question made no reference to damage by enemy action, but was concerned with recent legislation in regard to telescoping both manufacturing and retail trades? What I should like is to have a statement issued which will clearly define exactly where retail traders stand now, and what they are to do in the future, because they do not know and it is causing a great deal of anxiety and distress to them? Could I have an assurance that publication will be made soon?

Captain Waterhouse

I have informed my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend has this whole question under review. I cannot say more for the moment. We do realise the urgency of the problem and are doing all we can to meet it, but it is a very difficult one.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will the hon. and gallant Member bear in mind in connection with concentrating retail trade that when branches of large firms are closed the company can still go on trading, but when a small shopkeeper is closed down he loses everything?

Captain Waterhouse

The hon. Member seems to be confusing retailing and manufacturing. At present the Board of Trade have no plans for concentrating retail trade, but only concentrating manufacturing concerns.

Sir T. Moore

It obviously follows that the telescoping of the retail trade must follow the telescoping of the suppliers.