§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the increasing amount of poor quality utility cloth and clothing being put on the market; and what steps he proposes lo take to deal with this important problem.
Mr. H. WilsonNo, Sir. There are precise specifications, which have not changed recently, for cotton and rayon utility cloth. The specifications for wool cloth are not, and cannot be, so precise, but there is an adequate supply of wool cloth and garments of serviceable quality.
§ 8. Mr. Harrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he proposes to take the necessary action to retain reasonable prices for utility cloths, in view of the unsatisfactory operation of controls by the trade.
Mr. H. WilsonYes, Sir. All utility cloth is still subject to statutory price control. The maximum prices for utility cotton cloths are shortly being increased to cover the increase in the cost of raw cotton since devaluation.
§ Mr. HarrisonIs my right hon. Friend taking into account, in fixing this price, the maintenance of the utility standard quality, particularly of woollen cloth?
Mr. WilsonYes, Sir, but, as I have already pointed out to another hon. Member, it is much more difficult to look after the quality of utility woollen cloth than in the case of cotton and rayon.
§ Mr. PickthornDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer imply acceptance of the innuendo in the last part of the hon. Gentleman's Question?
Mr. WilsonNo, Sir. I do not think the phrase in the last part of the question is really accurate. Certain controls were removed, and assurances were given by 441 the various trades as to the way in which they would operate the utility scheme. I am not entirely happy about the way those assurances have been carried out, and we are having discussions with the trade at present. I could not say that the controls were wrong.