§ 65. Mr. Hollisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the regulations of his Department encourage manufacturers to sell many articles direct to big stores, where they are able to obtain higher prices, rather than to the small wholesale drapers and that this is a serious hardship to the small wholesaler; and whether he will extend the principle of the Handkerchiefs Order to other articles to prevent the continuance of this discrimination.
§ 68. Sir Harold Roperasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to customers in rural areas by the effect of his Department's price regulations in preventing small retailers from obtaining a fair share of utility clothing in short supply; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. RhodesWe are considering whether to introduce into the manufacturers' Orders for other utility goods the provision in the Utility Handkerchiefs (Marking and Manufacturers' Prices) Order whereby a manufacturer, when selling direct to retailers, is not permitted to charge more than the maximum price 253 on sale to wholesalers unless he conducts a regular selling organisation for supplying the retail trade.
§ Mr. HollisCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when this consideration is likely to be what the Chancellor of the Exchequer calls finalised?
§ Mr. RhodesIt is under consideration, and it will not be long.