§ 29. Lieutenant W. Shepherdasked 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 ShepherdIn view of the enormous number of towels held in stock, is it possible to reduce the coupon value on this particular item?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt is not a great number, considering the amounts which are purchased monthly. It is only just about sufficient to maintain the supply.