HC Deb 18 February 1946 vol 419 c771
29. Lieutenant W. Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number, or estimated number, of towels held in stock by retailers and wholesalers on 1st January, 1946.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)

It is impossible to do more than give a very rough estimate, but, on the information available to me, the number of towels held in stock by retailers and wholesalers was probably about eight million.

Lieutenant Shepherd

In view of the enormous number of towels held in stock, is it possible to reduce the coupon value on this particular item?

Sir S. Cripps

It is not a great number, considering the amounts which are purchased monthly. It is only just about sufficient to maintain the supply.