HC Deb 29 July 1946 vol 426 cc100-1W
130. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has noted the observation of Mr. Justice Stable, at the Manchester Assizes on 24th July, in regard to the complicated nature of the orders issued by his Department; and if he has any statement to make as to the possibility of simplification.

Sir S. Cripps

The case tried by Mr. Justice Stable included charges relating to offences dating from June, 1944, and it was accordingly necessary to go into the provisions of Orders then in force and subsequently revoked, as well as those at present in operation. The scheme of control over sales of non-utility furniture was worked out in conjunction with the trade, and I fear that any scheme dealing with this extremely complicated subject is inevitably itself elaborate and complex. I hope shortly to re-enact the existing orders in consolidated form, and I shall see that they are simplified wherever that is possible without prejudice to their efficiency in preventing profiteering and black market dealing.