§ 15. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the excessive prices now being charged for ready-to-wear and made-to-measure overcoats for civilian wear, he will arrange to have on sale in the autumn of 1943 a utility overcoat made of cloth of a minimum weight of 24 ounces at a price, less Purchase Tax, under £5 and for the ration for such overcoats to come out of the ration of the expensive overcoats on sale at present?
§ Mr. DaltonI have already provided for the manufacture of utility ready-made and made-to-measure overcoats from cloths weighing up to 22 ozs. per linear yard for sale to the public at prices from £2 8s. 1d. to £5 3s. 1d., and the bulk of production is within this range. I am advised that it would not be possible to provide in substantial quantity a satisfactory overcoat of 24 oz. cloth to sell retail at the price suggested by my hon. Friend. No Purchase Tax is charged on utility overcoats.
§ Mr. WalkdenWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, can he explain why it is that good utility suits, which are becoming very popular and are undoubtedly sold at reasonable prices, and also ladies' costumes, are available in shops, but that as regards overcoats the tailors only speak in terms of ten guineas or more. Why is it? Cannot he afford a greater supply?
§ Mr. DaltonI accept with great gratitude my hon. Friend's tribute to the increasing popularity of many forms of utility clothing. With regard to overcoats, the figures I have quoted will show him that the figure he mentioned is very much above that of the bulk of utility overcoats now being made. I will be glad to have a further talk with him.
§ Mr. ThorneWhat must a person do to obtain a utility bed for a sick child?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is a different question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.