HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 cc1581-2
36. Sir H. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the average prices of utility furniture are more than double the prices of similar but better, pre-war furniture; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the price of this furniture?

Mr. Dalton

My hon. Friend is misinformed. The prices of utility furniture are not more than 33⅓ per cent. higher, on the average, than the pre-war price of comparable articles. When the prices were fixed I was satisfied that they were fair alike to the trade and to the public. I am not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion to cut the margins either of the manufacturer or of the distributor.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend take the trouble to look at some of the catalogues he has issued and at some of the pre-war catalogues? If he cannot find any in his Department, I shall be pleased to supply one which shows that the statement in my Question is completely accurate.

Mr. Dalton

My information is greater than that of my hon. Friend, and more accurate.

Sir H. Williams

If I supply my right hon. Friend with a precise example, will his well-informed staff have a look at it?

Mr. Dalton

Yes; and we shall be able to have an exchange of information, for our mutual benefit.

Mr. Frankel

Is there not general satisfaction among all sections of the population with utility furniture?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir; I think all evidence so far shows that utility furniture is a winner.

Mr. Buchanan

When will utility furniture be obtainable in the City of Glasgow?

Mr. Dalton

It is already available to those classes which are entitled to it.

Mr. Buchanan

It is not.

Mr. Dalton

I assure my hon. Friend that it is. If he will tell me of any persons entitled to obtain a licence to buy utility furniture, I will take steps to see that they obtain it. A number of persons have already obtained utility furniture; and they are very pleased with it.