§ 51. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent have increased supplies of footwear led to a reduction of the retail selling price below the present legal maximum.
§ Mr. BottomleyI cannot say to what extent footwear is being sold below the legal maximum price because of the increase in supplies.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIf reduced prices through increased supplies are not materialising, will my hon. Friend ask the President of the Board of Trade to take further steps in the matter to cut profit margins and in that way bring about the state of affairs which he led the House to expect by his statement to the House on 10th March?
§ Mr. BottomleyI do not think that that is a reasonable assumption.
§ 52. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the President of the Board of Trade by what amount has the retail selling price of children's footwear been reduced during the past twelve months.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe maximum retail price of footwear depends on the margins which may be added by manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. The reductions that have been made in these margins in the last twelve months represent reductions of from 4d. to ls. 7d. in the £ for children's footwear, depending on the type and grade.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn view of the very slow progress still being made towards reduced prices, will my hon. Friend ask the President of the Board of Trade to expedite reductions in this regard?