§ 66. Mr. James Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that house furnishers in South Wales are unable to obtain supplies of utility furniture; and what steps are being taken to ensure a fair distribution of the available supplies?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)I am aware that there are delays in deliveries of utility furniture in South Wales, and, in order to increase production there, I have recently designated two further factories.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenIs the Minister aware that on a recent census in about seven areas it was found that the average delay, from the order by the customer to delivery, was about 10 weeks? What is he doing about that?
§ Mr. DaltonWe are watching the position very closely. Utility furniture has turned out very popular, and we are doing our utmost to build up a sufficient supply to prevent these delays, but we have to exercise very great economy in labour and materials.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs not io weeks a long time?
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidIs this not just the kind of question that should be also looked into by a Secretary of State for Wales?
§ Mr. DaltonThat might lead to more inter-departmental delay.