§ 28. Mr. Rentonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider taking steps to set up a disposal board for the allocation of surplus Government goods, and their fair distribution among retailers for sale to the public.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. The present arrangements are designed to ensure fair distribution of surplus goods, as far as this is consistent with the need for speedy disposal.
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that at the moment disposal appears to be in the hands of five different authorities, whose work is being done in such a way that many small retailers feel that the big multiple shops and co-operative societies are getting more than their fair share, and will he take steps to rectify that position?
§ Sir S. CrippsI do not think that feeling is justified.