§ 88. Sir R. Youngasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the discontent among industrial workers, with its ill-effects on production, at their inability to buy cigarettes, whereas, in places like Blackpool, cigarettes are being sold in amusement arcades at 10s. to 12s. per packet of 20, provided 20 to 24 competitors engage in a raffle of 6d. each to win a packet; and whether he will take steps to stop this by insisting that these cigarettes shall be sold at their proper price.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am aware that the demand for cigarettes in many parts of the country, including industrial districts, is greater than shops can satisfy at all times, but I am not aware that cigarettes are being disposed of by raffles in amusement arcades. If my hon. Friend would furnish me with the evidence in support of his statement I should be pleased to look into the matter.
§ 95. Mr. Wilkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the acute shortage of cigarette supplies to the retail trade in all parts of the country, he will inquire into the stocks held by N.A.A.F.I. canteens in this country, compare such returns with wartime levels 10W and, if necessary, secure a redistribution to retail shopkeepers commensurate with the high level of demobilisation achieved by His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am satisfied that stocks of cigarettes held by N.A.A.F.I. canteens in this country are only sufficient to enable them to provide efficient distribution. I understand that stocks and monthly supplies have been consistently reduced during the past six months and the retail shops have benefited accordingly.
§ 96. Mr. Shurmerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction as a result of the great shortage of cigarettes in the city of Birmingham; if he will state the reason for this shortage; and if he will look into the matter.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am not aware that the cigarette supply position is worse in Birmingham than in some other parts of the country. As to the reason for the shortage, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Cardiff (Mr. G. Thomas) on 13th May, 1946.