HC Deb 29 April 1948 vol 450 cc578-9
4. Mr. Attewell

asked the President of the Board of Trade why stocks of shoes are accumulating in the hands of the factors and retailers; if he is aware that in consequence of these stocks boot and shoe operatives are working short time and the public are without the shoes; and if he will take steps either to reduce the price of shoes or lower their coupon value.

13. Mr. Hollis

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present abundant supply of boots and shoes, he will reduce the coupon-requirements for them.

Mr. H. Wilson

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 20th April. I am now going into the whole question, but of course it would be unwise to take any steps to speed the dispersal of distributors' stocks until we can see whether the future level of raw material imports will enable the present high rate of footwear production to be maintained.

Mr. Attewell

Does the President of the Board of Trade appreciate that the trade is particularly disturbed at the lack of policy in his Department, and that the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) does not answer the question I asked him?

Mr. Wilson

There is no lack of policy in this matter. I am well aware of the views of the trade.

Mr. Osborne

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that retailers who have large stocks are not giving out orders to manufacturers and that there is a danger of grave unemployment? Will he look at it from that point of view?

Mr. Wilson

I have said I am looking into it very urgently, but we have to bear in mind the possibility of getting replacements of raw materials.

Mr. John Hynd

Has the answer of the President of the Board of Trade reference only to footwear or does it apply to other stocks like textiles?

Mr. Wilson

This Question and the answer refer only to footwear.

Mr. Attewell

Would the President of the Board of Trade be good enough to let us know when we might address further Questions to him to ascertain his policy?

Mr. Wilson

As quickly as possible.