HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1903-4
51. Lieut. - Colonel Windsor - Clive

asked the president of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardships caused to retailers, especially small retailers, by the sudden change in the regulations regarding austerity clothing; and whether he will arrange for them to receive some compensation for the losses which they are incurring owing to his reversal of the official policy he reaffirmed on 27th October, 1943, at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Outfitters.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)

It is as yet too early to judge what hardship, if any, may be suffered by those engaged in the distribution of austerity clothes. The Director-General of Civilian Clothing is to-day discussing the effects of the change with representatives of the retail trade.

Lieut.-Colonel Windsor-Clive

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend think that when people are led to believe that a policy will continue and then the policy is suddenly reversed, they ought not to have to bear the whole of the loss which they suffer in consequence?

Captain Waterhouse

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I said that as yet there is no evidence that any loss will be suffered. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I repeat that, as yet, there is no evidence that any loss will be suffered. After such a loss is suffered we shall be perfectly prepared to look into it, but, until any loss is suffered, it would be absurd to ask the Government to do anything.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the President of the Board of Trade himself assured the trade that there would be no such change of policy?

Captain Waterhouse

He made no such statement. My right hon. Friend's statement was that there would be no change without notice. In fact, five weeks' notice was given of this change.

Mr. Stokes

He said, "sudden notice."

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the apprehension felt by stockists of ready-made clothing lest they should be left with large stocks of clothing in their shops and thus suffer heavy loss?

Captain Waterhouse

I am well aware that there is widespread apprehension and it is for that reason that the Director of Clothing is to-day meeting the trade.