§ Mr. R. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of matches amongst retail shopkeepers in London is still increasing while the quality deteriorates; and whether he will take steps to secure that retailers shall obtain without delay the 50 per cent. of their total purchases last year and be compelled to sell them at a reasonable profit?
§ Mr. WARDLEAs the production of matches in this country is slightly under 50 per cent. of the total supplies in 1915, the datum year, and about one-third of this output is allotted for War requirements, it is not possible at present to ensure to retailers a full 50 per cent. of their 1915 purchases. Deliveries are being made as expeditiously as possible. A schedule of prices has been issued by the Tobacco and Matches Control Board which allows a reasonable profit to all branches of the trade.