22. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the reduction of private enterprise, especially of small traders, in this country as a result of the war, he will make inquiries what steps are being taken in the United States of America by the appropriate authorities to safeguard businesses, so as to enable them successfully to continue in the trade at the conclusion of hostilities?
§ Mr. DaltonI have information, which I shall be glad to communicate to my 12 hon. Friend, regarding the treatment of small producers in the United States. I am making inquiries into the position of the small trader in the United States.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that the position in the United States and this country is in many ways similar—the problems are very much the same—and that therefore it would perhaps be useful to get that information?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, I shall be very glad to look into it, but the United States entered the war in December, and their problem is not as acute in some respects as is ours.
§ Lieutenant ButcherWould the right hon. Gentleman let the House as a whole have such information as is in his possession?
§ Mr. DaltonI shall be glad to look into that matter.
§ Mr. ThorneWould it not be possible for small traders to pay something into a pool in the same way as the bookmakers do?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is another question.