§ Mr. Fairhurstasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now satisfied that some adjustment of the retail margins on cloth and clothing which were reduced in January is necessary in view of the reduction in the clothing ration; and if he will take steps accordingly.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes. After making allowance for consequential reductions in the original estimate of retailers' expenses, which were based on the larger turnover anticipated and in particular in numbers employed, I am satisfied that some increases in current margins are justified, for the time being. I am not yet in a position to announce the precise changes in the margins, but details will be made available, and the changes brought into force, as soon as possible.