HC Deb 08 July 1941 vol 373 cc19-20
32. Mr. Mathers

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to overcome the serious shortage of baby-carriages and perambulators; and when it is expected to meet the demand?

Sir A. Duncan

The necessity of restricting the steel available for perambulator manufacture led to a considerable reduction in the number of these articles produced. To avert the possibility of serious shortage, arrangements have recently been made with the industry for the production of perambulators contain- ing approximately half the steel contained in the peace-time article. These war-time perambulators are now coming on the market, and I shall continue to watch the situation, bearing in mind both the minimum needs of the public and the heavy calls upon the nation's resources of labour and materials.

Mr. Mathers

Might I ask my right hon. Friend to recognise that this is a question of general interest, and that it has no personal application? When does he expect the supply to be equal to the demand?

Miss Eleanor Rathbone

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Chancellor to introduce a system of family allowances?

Sir Patrick Hannon

Will my right hon. Friend take care that no material is allocated to make these articles at the expense of guns and munitions?