asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a firm in Maybole, Ayrshire, has sold 1,250 tea sets in the last two weeks; and if he will make it a condition when providing manufacturers of tea sets with the necessary materials that they should distribute their products equally amongst retailers in all parts of the country.

I have received information that large sales of pottery have taken place in Maybole, and I am looking into the matter. I am satisfied that, in general, pottery manufacturers are distributing their ware as widely and as evenly as possible.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this retailer boasts in a newspaper of being able to sell 300 tea sets, and expects delivery of 700 tea sets within two weeks, in addition to 1,250 cups?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have read the newspaper cutting referred to, and it is because of the information which we have received in the Department that I am having further inquiries made into the matter.

But does not that show a very enterprising spirit?

It shows an unfortunate spirit of enterprise which I do not think we want to encourage in this country at all.