HC Deb 02 December 1948 vol 458 cc2150-1
11. Mr. John Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his regulations provide that shirts may not be made to measure in utility cloth if the neck size is under 17 inches; and will he give consideration to the case, details of which have been sent to him, of a youth six foot four inches in height who has only a 15½inch neck and is therefore unable to obtain utility shirts

Mr. H. Wilson

Utility made-to-measure shirts may be made to any measurements but the higher ceiling prices for outsizes apply only to shirts with neckbands exceeding 17½inches. I will look into the special case to which my hon. Friend refers as soon as I receive the details, which do not appear to have reached me.

Mr. Lewis

My right hon. Friend has said that he will look into this particular case, but surely there must be many people in the same category? Would my right hon. Friend give consideration to amending the regulation in respect of all people who come within this category and not just the case to which I have referred?

Mr. Wilson

I have already said that the regulations do not forbid made-to-measure utility shirts being made in any size. The only question is that of a higher selling price for larger size shirts with smaller neckbands. I am satisfied that we would not be justified in permitting any higher ceiling price for the smaller size shirts.

Captain John Crowder

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to relax some of the detailed specifications that are given to makers of utility goods, leaving matters rather more to their discretion, while keeping within the price limit, and allow the public to buy what they want?

Mr. Wilson

Certainly not. [HON. MEMBERS: "Serfdom."] If hon. Gentlemen opposite think that these measures, which are essential for protecting the quality of the clothing provided for our people are serfdom, I have nothing further to add to my reply.

Mr. Lewis

When my right hon. Friend refers to a higher ceiling price, does that not mean that in respect of shirts for people with necks of this size utility cloth is not used, and as a result of that is not the price of a shirt made up from non-utility cloth absolutely exorbitant and quite beyond the means of a working lad?

Mr. Wilson

No, Sir.