§ Mr. ALDENasked the President of the Board of Trade on what principle the Match Control Board makes its distribution to traders throughout the country; whether he is aware that in some localities it is impossible to buy matches; and whether the manufacturers in London who have a practical monopoly can refuse orders sent by traders simply because they were not purchasers previous to the War?
Sir A. STANLEYThe distribution of matches is effected by the Tobacco and Matches Control Board, who make distribution to all traderspro rata on the basis of their purchases of matches, both imported and British, in 1915, with due allowance for subsequent displacement of the population. I understand that there is no information in the possession of the Control Board to indicate a serious shortage of matches in any part of the country, but every effort is made to deal with any local shortage that may arise. 58W The Board will be glad to consider any cases of hardship which my hon. Friend may put before them. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.