§ 29. Mr. Keelingasked the President of the Board of Trade why the importation of furniture from West Africa is limited to types which can be sold at the prices of British-made utility furniture.
§ Sir S. CrippsWhile British furniture manufacturers are subject to severe restrictions as to the types of furniture which they are allowed to manufacture and the prices which they are allowed to charge, it would be unfair to permit the importation of more expensive types except in very special cases. It is for this reason that imports from all sources are normally limited to types comparable in quality and price with British-made utility furniture.
§ Mr. KeelingBut has not the Minister just implied, in answer to a previous Question, that we want more furniture than we can now get? Does not his policy amount to mediocrity for mediocrity's sake?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt amounts to getting the maximum quantity we can, and we find we get that out of utility furniture of good quality.