§ 6. Mr. William Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the overcharging by watch repairers; and whether he is contemplating any steps to deal with this.
§ Sir S. CrippsComplaints about charges for watch repairing are made from time to time, but I am unable to say if they are justified. It should be borne in mind that watch parts are not so readily or cheaply obtained as formerly, and some of the increases in repair charges may, therefore, be perfectly reasonable. In view of the wide variety of the services rendered, I am not sure that any control would be administratively practicable, but I have asked the Central Price Regulation Committee to consider whether any control of repair charges is necessary and practicable.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the replacement of a watch glass, which before the war might have cost 6d., now often costs 5s.? Cannot something be done in that direction?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am aware that some control may be necessary, and I will see if we can do anything about it.