§ Mr. Grovesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, resulting from the restriction orders and the corresponding lack of supplies, it is estimated that one retail shop out of every 505W four may be closed down; and whether he will consult with the various chambers of commerce for the preparation of a scheme for compensation for retail tradesmen who are so affected?
§ Sir A. DuncanI have seen such an estimate but I know of no authority for it. It is, however, unfortunately true that, owing to restriction of supplies and for other reasons, a number of shops have already had to close and more may have to do so. This is one of the problems before the Retail Trade Committee who have sought the views of Chambers of Commerce and other interested bodies on the possibility of devising some scheme of mutual help. As has previously been made clear, public funds cannot be made available for this purpose.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will be prepared to institute a scheme for controlling retail traders whereby any such who were in business before the war should secure a reasonable proportion of supplies in order that the businesses may remain open?
§ Sir A. DuncanI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question about the closing of shops. As he is aware, the Retail Trade Committee were appointed by my predecessor to examine the present problems of retail trade in goods other than food, having regard both to the immediate needs of the conduct of the war and to the position after the war, and to report.