§ 1. Lieutenant William Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now completed his inquiries into the alleged large stocks of towels held by wholesalers and retailers, in accordance with his letter to the hon. Member for Bucklow; and whether he is now able to announce an increase in the coupon values.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)Yes, Sir. The information which I have obtained shows that stocks are not excessive. In the case of certain types of utility towels, however, I am arranging, in consultation with the Hairdressing Standing Committee, a scheme for the release of about 720,000 of these towels in 1946 against certificates issued by my Department and presented by hairdressers. The situation is not such as to warrant an increase in coupon values.
§ Lieutenant ShepherdIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that almost all the members of the trade feel that there are large stocks available, and would he make a further inquiry into this matter?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have made inquiries and I am releasing 720,000 as a result.