§ 99 and 100. Commander Purseyasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the nature of the inquiry into the shortage of consumer goods in Hull; on what dates and by whom the inquiry is to be held; whether representatives of the city council, trade organisations and the public will be able to give evidence; and whether the report will be made public.
(2) whether he is aware that residents in Hull have to travel to Leeds, a return journey of over 100 miles, and elsewhere, to obtain docket and coupon goods; and what steps he proposes to take to increase the supply of consumer goods to the city and inform residents that such increase has been made.
§ Mr. Belcher:An investigation into supplies of consumer goods in Hull is being made by area distribution officers of the Board of Trade, who are experienced in assessing stocks and deliveries in the shops and comparing the position in particular areas with that in the country as a whole. The investigation began on 20th March and is still in progress. The investigators will consult the Lord Mayor, the Town Clerk and the Chamber of Trade. Information which retailers are so good as to make available to these Officers for these inquiries is confidential and detailed reports are not published, but I shall let my hon. and gallant Friend know the general results of the inquiry and if serious deficiencies in the supplies of essential 120W goods are revealed action will be taken to remedy matters.