§ 65. Mr. Lipsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the disability which the small and individual unit trader suffers under the present quota system, inasmuch as the wholesaler, for convenience sake, tends to favour the larger unit and multiple store; and will he consider the provision of a guarantee to the small trader that he shall receive, as of right, his fair share of the quota of goods available for each quota period?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe Board of Trade have urged wholesalers to distribute their supplies fairly between their large and small customers, and my information is that they have endeavoured to do so. My right hon. Friend could not undertake to guarantee a share of quota goods to each retail trader; the present arrangements allow a certain necessary flexibility and permit adjustments to be made to meet movements of population.
§ Mr. LipsonIf I send my hon. and gallant Friend particulars of a scheme prepared by the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, will he give consideration to it?
§ Captain WaterhouseI shall be very glad to.