§ 12. Lieutenant Butcherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to securing that the distributive trade is organised in the most effective way to assist the war effort, he will direct local authorities to licence retailers of commodities other than foodstuffs?
§ Sir A. DuncanIn view of the severe strain placed upon local authorities by their present duties, which have been greatly increased by the war, I cannot see my way at the present time to ask them to undertake the very heavy additional administrative work which my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would involve.
§ Lieutenant ButcherIs my right hon. Friend aware that large numbers of small shopkeepers are being compelled to close down, whereas the chain stores are making no attempt whatever to concentrate themselves? Cannot he make some fairer adjustment in the matter?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe whole of this subject has been dealt with in a report.
§ Lieutenant ButcherDoes my right hon. Friend intend making the report public?
§ Sir A. DuncanI have only received the report this morning.