HC Deb 19 September 1950 vol 478 cc1715-7
40. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that wool yarn used in the manufacture of utility clothing has risen in price from 2s. 9d. per lb. pre-war and 10s. pre-devaluation to 22s. 6d. per lb.; and what steps he is taking to ensure adequate supplies of utility clothes at prices the lowest paid workers can afford.

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

I am, of course, aware of the rise in prices of wool yarn to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The utility wool cloth now being delivered, however, has been made from raw wool bought many months ago, and the effect of the more recent increases in raw wool prices, if maintained, on the supply and prices of utility clothing in the shops should not be felt for some considerable time. As regards future supplies and prices, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall be ready to take such steps as are practicable and necessary in the interests of consumers.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that the sharp rise in the cost of raw materials, over which our domestic manufacturers have no control at all, must put up the price of clothing to the consumer, and that unless he takes steps now there will be a further sharp rise in six months' time?

Mr. Rhodes

I should like to know what the hon. Gentleman is asking for. Is he asking for control?

Mr. Osborne

Surely this is a Government of planners.

Mr. Rhodes

If I may say so, these high prices are really the result of undisciplined private enterprise.

Mr. Osborne

They are nothing of the kind.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that, on the contrary, one of the main reasons for the high price of raw wool is that the Soviet Union and her satellites in Europe are stock-piling wool which we require for ourselves?

Mr. Rhodes

I am sorry, but I could not hear a word of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question.

Mr. Spence

Will the Minister consider relaxing the specification, within the regulations, so as to provide that the wool which we have will go further?

Mr. Rhodes

That is quite a constructive question. I have had consultations with sections of the industry already, and I am prepared to go on with them.

Major Beamish

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask again the question which the Minister said he could not hear? Is the Minister aware that one of the main reasons for the rise in the price of high quality raw wool is that the Soviet Union and her satellites in Europe are stock-piling wool at a time when we urgently require it for ourselves, and thereby are forcing up the price?

Mr. Rhodes

To the best of my information that is not correct.