HC Deb 27 July 1943 vol 391 cc1360-1
8 and 9. Sir Granville Gibson

asked the President of the Board of Trade (I) whether he is aware that there are accumulations of large quantities of low-priced utility clothes in the hands of makers, wholesalers and retailers, in which the public apparently have no buying interest; and does he intend to take steps to absorb or buy these stocks to send them to countries occupied by the Allies or grant licences to enable them to be exported to markets abroad;

(2) whether he is aware that owing to the fact that a coupon is equally valid in purchasing a low-priced or an expensive article, holders are refusing to purchase other than the most expensive types of boots, shoes and clothing, leaving heavy unsold stocks in the hands of wholesalers and retailers; and is he considering a method to meet the anomaly of coupon holders who normally buy medium-priced goods, and still prefer them, insisting on buying higher-priced goods because of the coupon value being the same in both cases?

Mr. Dalton

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Lieut.-Commander Tufnell) in reply to a similar Question on Tuesday last, I have received reports of the accumulation of stocks of certain types of rationed goods in the hands of traders, and I am now going into the matter.

Sir G. Gibson

Is there any reason why we should not grant facilities for the exportation of some of these accumulations to the Dominions, as has been done in the case of lower priced goods to another industry? Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the possibility of relating coupons to values, in order to encourage the purchase of these accumulations, instead of the higher priced and more expensive?

Mr. Dalton

I am going into the matter, and I hope to be able to make an announcement before long, but I would rather not anticipate it. I can say to my hon. Friend that we do not want undue accumulations of any of these stocks of goods. That is common ground, but the question of preventing it does need investigation, and I am examining various alternatives.

Sir G. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman examine the possibility of granting facilities for exportation?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, I am looking into it.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Would it not be highly dangerous if my right hon. Friend agreed to release these stocks coupon free at bargain prices?

Mr. Dalton

I have not given any undertaking to do any such thing, but I have said that I am considering the matter.