2. Colonel Arthur Evansasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now reconsider his decision to distribute sports goods to the Services through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, instead of the normal trade channels?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)In accordance with the undertaking which I gave last week, I have re-examined this question, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. Having regard to the shortage of supplies, he and I are both satisfied that the present system of distributing priority sports goods is necessary to ensure equitable distribution to Service users.
Colonel EvansIs my right hon. Friend prepared, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for War, to receive a deputation on this subject this week?
§ Mr. DaltonIt would be wrong for me to give an answer without consulting my right hon. Friend, but this matter really has been looked at repeatedly from every angle. I myself doubt whether it is well for Members to pursue it further, although I am sure my right hon. Friend would 1808 agree with me that we are always at the service of Members on such matters.
Colonel EvansIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.