§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the 17 per cent. increase over November, 1966, in the sales of jewellery in November, 1967.
§ Mr. DarlingThe increase was in the total sales of jewellers, watch and clock-dealers and repairers. It is difficult to reach any sound conclusion on the basis of one month's figures, but the subsequent trend of sales may throw light on the reasons for this large rise, among which could be some buying in anticipation of price increases, an earlier start to Christmas shopping and a revival after the somewhat low sales earlier in the year.