HC Deb 27 July 1943 vol 391 cc1365-6
18. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large supplies of dress material, artificial silk, prints, cotton piece goods and woollen suitings are being released, coupon free, from certain Manchester warehouses for quick sale through underground channels in Lancashire and Yorkshire towns and at inflated prices; and what action he has taken to prosecute the promoters of this widespread practice?

Mr. Dalton

I am investigating these reports, and I invite my hon. Friend to give me the particulars of any cases that have come to his notice.

Mr. Walkden

If I present to my right hon. Friend a packet of samples, will he give an undertaking that if he can trace the wholesalers and manufacturers he will intern the whole lot or put them out of business for the duration of the war?

Mr. Dalton

I shall be very glad to take any action which can be sustained in the courts, but we must have evidence. My hon. Friend has been giving a good deal of publicity to this. I thought it would be convenient if he would meet my Chief Enforcement Officer to-day and give him some hard evidence.

Mr. Walkden

I shall be glad to do so.