HC Deb 16 May 1944 vol 400 cc24-5 The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. ROBERTSON: 61. To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has taken any further steps to relieve retail clothiers of their unsold stocks of men's utility suits, jackets and trousers.
Mr. Robertson

On a point of Order. I wish to ask Question 61, but before doing so I desire to correct a mistake in it and to substitute the word "austerity" for the word "utility."

Mr. Dalton

The Question I am about to answer is that which appears on the Order Paper, and the answer is as follows: Measures to help retailers to dispose of any surplus stocks of these suits were indicated by my right hon. and gallant Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, in the Debate on this subject on 6th April last, and, I am glad to say that the figures supplied to me by trade associations show that stocks have been falling steadily. I shall, however, continue to watch the position carefully.

Mr. Robertson

Will the Minister take into account the fact that at the time of the Debate to which he refers his Department had not arranged to take over austerity style suits made of non-utility cloth, and will he take steps to have such stocks taken over?

Mr. Dalton

The Ministry of Supply have since agreed, following consultations between themselves and my Department, to purchase, also for relief, non-utility suits.