§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade why some multiple firms are allowed to open shops in certain towns for the sale of stocks of utility furniture, etc., and to advertise it, when established firms living in the same area are unable to supply their customers who have, in many cases, been waiting 8 to 12 months for the same goods.
§ Mr. BelcherAs my right hon. and learned Friend informed the House on 17th December, the Location of Retail Businesses Order has now been revoked. No licence is therefore necessary to open a furniture shop. The recent relaxation of restrictions on the transport of utility furniture and the greatly increased production should go a long way toward reducing delays in deliveries, especially those which, like the ones mentioned by the hon. Member, greatly exceed the average for the country as a whole. In addition, manufacturers, who, for the time being, have produced articles in excess of the orders they have received, may, under licence, send these stocks to any retailer in advance of units.