§ Mr. Asshetonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many investigation officers are now employed by his Department on work connected with clothing coupons; at what stage in their interviews with retailers they are expected to reveal their identity; and what are their instruc- 227W tions with regard to asking for clothing for which they have not the necessary coupons.
§ Mr. BelcherOfficers, other than accountants, engaged on investigations of offences in respect of clothes rationing at the retail stage, number about 100. These officers are instructed to reveal their identity to the retailer at the outset, except in the case of test purchases which are only made at establishments in respect of which complaints have recently been received; officers are instructed to reveal their identity at once in these cases if asked by the trader, and to leave the question of coupons to be raised by the trader whose responsibility it is to require delivery of coupons before he supplies rationed goods.