HC Deb 30 June 1942 vol 381 cc11-2
22. Mr. De la Bère

asked 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. Dalton

I have information, which I shall be glad to communicate to my 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 Bère

Is 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. Dalton

Yes, 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 Butcher

Would the right hon. Gentleman let the House as a whole have such information as is in his possession?

Mr. Dalton

I shall be glad to look into that matter.

Mr. Thorne

Would it not be possible for small traders to pay something into a pool in the same way as the bookmakers do?

Mr. Dalton

That is another question.