§ 68. Mr. Piratinasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that no extra profits are obtained arising from the increased cost of clothing as a result of the withdrawal of the £33 million subsidies from cloth and leather.
§ Mr. BelcherIt will be some months before the removal of these subsidies affects the price of clothing on sale in shops. Meanwhile, I shall be considering with the manufacturers and distributors what changes in maximum prices and margins may be necessary because 1797 of the removal of these subsidies and I shall do my best to ensure that any increases in price that may be necessary are limited, as far as possible, to the amount of the subsidies that are to be withdrawn.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that no steps will be taken by tradesmen to raise their prices until a decision has been taken in conjunction with the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. BelcherI am afraid I cannot give any assurances as to what will be done by traders, but the situation will be watched by my Department.