HC Deb 15 February 1944 vol 397 cc18-9
37. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the short-leg utility socks are practically unsaleable so long as coupons have to be surrendered for them; and will he make them coupon-free to enable traders to dispose of their stocks.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)

Some millions of pairs of these socks are being sold each month. The answer to both parts of the Question is, therefore, No, Sir.

Mr. Lipson

Will my right hon. Friend have further investigations made, particularly among small shopkeepers, to see whether these socks are saleable; and if the information justifies it, will he consider revising his answer?

Mr. Dalton

My answer is perfectly correct. It is that some millions of pairs of socks are sold each month. That is not what I should call being practically unsaleable.