HC Deb 28 May 1941 vol 371 cc1849-50
43. Mr. Pearson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether quotas of supplies to retail traders in areas long scheduled as depressed areas are based upon the standard of a depressed pre-war trade; and, in view of the abnormality of such a period, will some allowance be made for the then existing restriction of the purchasing power in computing the present quotas to these areas?

Captain Waterhouse

Control under the Limitation of Supplies Order is applied to the sales of manufacturers and wholesalers and not to retailers. Accordingly, no quotas are computed for retail traders. Wholesalers, however, have been asked to increase the proportion of supplies to areas whose population has risen, and if the hon. Member has in mind any particular instances of serious shortages, I shall be glad if he will give me the necessary information.