HC Deb 24 November 1942 vol 385 cc642-3
16. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the reviews which have recently been carried out by certain chambers of trade throughout the country, which reveal the plight of small shopkeepers, especially those whose turnover is between £1,000 and £5,000 a year, he can now state what additional proposals the Government intend to make to prevent the further closing down of these old-established small businesses?

Mr. Dalton

I am not aware of any recent reviews of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am keeping in close touch with the National Chamber of Trade. The proposals which I announced in this House on 13th October should be of material assistance to small shopkeepers, and, as I informed my hon. Friend on Tuesday last, I am now anxious fully to try out these proposals.

Mr. De la Bère

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman must be aware that comprehensive reviews have been made by various chambers of trade throughout the country, and further, that these disclose that little men and little women engaged in trade with a small turnover before the war are being exterminated and eliminated daily; and will he really give the matter further consideration?

Mr. Dalton

I have already stated that I am in very close touch with representatives of the National Chamber of Trade, who will no doubt bring to me the information that comes to them from chambers of trade locally.

Mr. De la Bère

But the National Chamber of Trade is not absolutely comprehensive.

Sir Percy Harris

Is the President of the Board of Trade satisfied that the National Chamber of Trade really represents the small people in business?

Mr. Dalton

I have asked the various chambers of trade, and I have given an answer as to my relations with the National Chamber of Trade. I am very anxious to get into touch with all those who can assist me in this difficult problem.

Mr. Hannah

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question of small traders is a very acute one?

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