HC Deb 10 July 1946 vol 425 cc91-2W
113. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the abolition of the Hide and Leather Committee of Combined Supply Board, which now allows free competition between individual nationals for hides and skins in conditions which favour dollar countries, what steps are being taken to ensure a fair share of hides and skins for this country; and whether British tanners and skin buyers are still under Treasury control and how far they have freedom of action as regards prices.

Mr. Marquand:

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 8th July to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Mr. Attewell). On the second part, the great bulk of the supplies of hides and skins imported into this country are still purchased on public account by the Leather Control.