HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 c2537
12. Mrs. Castle

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to maintain the supply of tax-free utility clothing.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I understand that there is no shortage of utility clothing at present, and no special action seems necessary to maintain supplies.

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the utility scheme has been the housewife's best safeguard against excessive prices at a time of rising costs, and will he give the House a firm assurance that the rumour which is going round that the Government intend to tamper with this scheme is false, and that he will, in fact, maintain it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The hon. Lady should not pay too much attention to these rumours.