HC Deb 19 July 1949 vol 467 c1161
49. Mr. Hurd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the factors that justify the increase from 32s. last year to 69s. 1d. now in the price fixed for 209F men's utility grey flannel trousers.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Edwards)

The retail ceiling price for men's utility trousers made of cloth 209F was increased from 62s. 6d.—not 32s.—to 69s. 1d. in July of last year. The increase in price was due to the removal of the subsidy on the cloth.

Mr. Hurd

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that utility flannel trousers could be bought for 32s. last year and that they now cost the price which I have mentioned?

Mr. Edwards

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong if he supposes that trousers of this quality could have been bought last year for 32s. The lowest ceiling price for this quality—[Laughter]—I should say, of course, the controlled price—was 51s. 9d.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Is the "ceiling price" what used to be called the maximum price?

Mr. Edwards

Both expressions are in use.

Mr. Stanley

It is a deep-seated maladjustment.