§ 7. Mr. Dolandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make on the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Act as it affects traders who are endeavouring to remain in business during the war?
§ Mr. DaltonAs my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General informed my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 2nd December, this Act has already enabled many traders to continue in business who would otherwise have been compelled to cease trading. There may be others now in difficulties on account of the war who have hitherto failed for various reasons to seek the help which this Act might afford them. I hope that any trader in this position, or who sees trouble ahead, will not hesitate to consult the liabilities adjustment officer for his district. With the assistance of my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor I have taken a number of steps to make the Act better known to traders. The national trade press, as well as the trade associations concerned, have been 1742 most helpful in making its provisions more fully understood by the public, and, in particular, in explaining how it can help small traders and others to carry on. In addition, the B.B.C. recently gave a very informative talk on the Act.