§ 33. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that elastic, normally used for children's underwear, four yards of which pre-war sold for 3d., is now in short supply and being offered for sale almost exclusively by pavement hucksters and kerbside pedlars at 9d. and 1s. per yard; and if he will arrange with the manufacturers for any fresh supplies to be sold directly through properly established and recognised shopkeepers and fix a price-control Order.
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware of the shortage of elastic, but arrangements have been made for the allocation as from March of increased quantities of braid elastic to the retail trade. Following careful examination by the Central Price Regulation Committee, my right hon. Friend has signed an Order fixing maximum retail prices for a number of haberdashery items which are in short supply, including narrow elastic, the maximum price of which will be from 1d. to 2d. per yard, according to the type. This Order will come into force on 10th April. It is hoped that these measures will discourage the abuses to which my hon. Friend, refers.
§ Mr. WalkdenI thank the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for the information, but may I ask whether he is aware that the Make-do-and-Mend Scheme, which is very popular with the women folk, is being undermined by various rackets such as are suggested in the Question, and will his officers keep a close watch on the operation of these rascals, who, somehow, seem to overcome every Order made?
§ Captain WaterhouseI was not aware that the Make-do-and-Mend Scheme had been hampered by this, but I am aware of the practice to which the hon. Member refers, and our officers will do their utmost to put it down.
§ Mr. MathersWhy is the application of this Order being delayed until 10th April?
§ Captain WaterhouseFor administrative reasons.