HC Deb 02 July 1942 vol 381 c512
64. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising out of the publication of the Third Report of the Retail Trade Committee, he will now make a comprehensive statement as to what extent the Government intends to act upon their recommendations?

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

The report makes a number of far-reaching recommendations, which require careful study. They affect a number of Departments, and my right hon. Friend is accordingly consulting the Ministers concerned.

Mr. De la Bère

Have not the Government admitted that the small shopkeeper is the backbone of the country, and will they bear in mind the central and vital fact that you cannot destroy the backbone of anything if you want it to survive?