28 OCTOBER 1949, Page 5

The public who descended like locusts on the London shops

at the end of last week can hardly have known what they thought they were gaining. Probably escape from an increased purchase-tax or from clothes-rationing, though the President of the Board of Trade had already disposed of that rumour. However, descend they did in astonishing numbers. At one very well-known establishment it was stated that never before in its history had such business been done. The fact gave little gratification, in view of difficulty of replenishing stock. As for the purchasers they got what they will presumably want sooner or later at a figure they can presumably afford.

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