HC Deb 23 February 1948 vol 447 cc296-7W
90. Mr. Coldrick

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now prepared to revise arrangements for the sale of surplus clothing in order to ensure that speculators do not secure large profits, thereby preventing consumers receiving the benefit of low prices so often secured by his Department; and whether, in particular, he will ensure that the purchaser does not secure more than a fixed percentage profit on a subsequent sale, and that the goods go direct to retailers or the public.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

No. Surplus clothing is normally sold through Disposal Corporations and profit margins are controlled either by agreement with the trade or by statutory Order and I have no evidence that these arrangements are not working satisfactorily. It would not be practicable to sell garments direct to the public.