HC Deb 29 October 1945 vol 415 cc4-6
13. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he has yet approved any models for either take-to-piece or package furniture of utility types.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative.

Mr. Bossom

Would the Minister look into this matter again? Is it not very desirable that people living in prefabricated houses should be able to move their furniture with considerable ease and speed, which they cannot do readily with normal furniture?

Sir S. Cripps

This matter has been looked into by my advisory committee, and they are against its use at the present time.

Mr. Bossom

Is the Minister informed as to what is being done in the United States on this matter, where it has been found to be very satisfactory indeed?

Sir S. Cripps

I am fully informed as to what is being done, both in the United States and Sweden.

37. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to make a statement on the supply position of utility furniture

Sir S. Cripps

The production of utility furniture continues to increase. Taking an index figure for production in June, of 100, production in September, was 298, the highest figure yet attained. Any further substantial in creases must depend on the availability of timber.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that although these figures show a marked improvement, people entitled to utility furniture are suffering months of delay before they are able to get their furniture?

Sir S. Cripps

I am quite aware of the delay that is taking place, and we are doing our utmost to deal with it. The present bottleneck is timber.

Major Gates

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in addition to the shortage of timber a great many former furniture manufacturers are unable to get back their requisitioned premises, which have been used for storage while no joinery work was being done?

Sir S. Cripps

I am quite aware of that fact as well. We are doing our best to clear all those factories, but the present position is that there is plenty of factory space and labour if we can get the material.

Mr. Bossom

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of plywood which might be available to supplement the supply of timber?

Sir S. Cripps

We are quite aware of the various possible sources of plywood, and we have tapped them to the maximum amount at the present time.

Mr. Scollan

Is my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that all the timber being released for furniture is finding its way into utility furniture?

Sir S. Cripps

So far as we can control it no furniture except utility is being manufactured out of such timber at the present time.