§ 6. Mr. Dolandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the future activities of the Retail Trade Committee which was set up by his Department?
§ Mr. DaltonIn view of the statement which I made to the House on 13th October on retail trade policy and of the action since taken to put this policy into effect, I do not propose to ask the Retail Trade Committee for a further report. I have so informed the Chairman, and I have thanked the Committee for their three valuable and interesting reports. I am sure that the House would also wish to express their appreciation of the Committee's work.
§ Mr. DolandCan my right hon. Friend, in view of the fact that he has now abolished this Committee, make an early statement on the opportunities that will be given to traders who have been compelled to close down during the war to reopen when hostilities cease?
§ Mr. DaltonAll the problems of postwar trade will be gone into most carefully. The problems of trade and industry as a whole cannot be too much broken up. I am naturally in touch with my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster-General, who has general charge of these matters, and I shall consult the trade associations and trade unions concerned in drawing up schemes for post-war trade.
§ Mr. DaltonThat is a different question, and perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it on the Paper. But I may say at once that I have-taken steps to get this register prepared. It is well advanced, and before long it will be possible for entries to be made on the Register, Progress has been made.