HC Deb 12 June 1947 vol 438 c1318
19. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the maximum amounts of expenditure allowed to be incurred for alterations to ready-made, utility, and non-utility garments, respectively; by what regulations they are prescribed; and for what purpose.

Sir S. Cripps

Subject to certain exceptions, the maximum charges for alterations to ready-made garments are 20s. for utility and 20s. for non utility. It was necessary to prescribe maximum charges for alterations to ready-made garments in order to prevent evasion of price control. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the orders which prescribe these maximum charges.

Mr. Walker-Smith

While appreciating the reason which the right hon. and learned Gentleman has given for this, may I ask whether he realises that very little alteration can, in fact, be done for those maximum sums? Does he not think some up-scaling of them may now be required?

Sir S. Cripps

This matter has been considered, and, in order to prevent evasion, we think the present sums ought to be stuck to.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Does the maximum sum fit the maximum size?

Following is the list:

General Apparel Furnishings and Textiles (Wholesalers' and Retailers' Maximum Prices and Charges) Order, 1946 (S.R.&O. 1946/1747).

Utility Apparel (Maximum Prices and Charges) Order, 1945 (S.R. & O. 1945/184).

Utility Apparel (Women's and Maids' Outerwear) (Consolidation) Directions, 1946 (S.R. & O. 1946/795).

Utility Apparel (Men's Youths' and Boys' Outerwear) (Consolidation) Directions, 1946 (S.R. & 0. 1946/794).

Fur Apparel (No. 9) Directions and Licence, 1946 (S.R. & O. 1946/1162).