§ 25. Mr. Ralph Morleyasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the increases in the prices of children's clothes and footwear in recent months; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the public.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossThe prices of all children's utility clothes and footwear are already controlled. The rise in prices is almost wholly due to increases in the cost of cloth and leather which are the result of the rise in world prices of the basic raw materials. I need hardly say that we do not allow any increases in maximum prices unless we are satisfied that they are necessary to ensure an adequate flow of supplies to the shops. I hope that the new maximum prices which are now being 1208 issued will enable manufacturers to produce children's utility garments in greater quantities.
§ Mr. MorleySince it is generally believed that there has been gross profiteering in the manufacture and sale of these materials, will my right hon. and learned Friend publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the profit margins and prices which are allowed?
§ Sir H. ShawcrossThe profit margins and prices vary. The margins have not, in general, been increased at all. Increases are due, as I have said, to increases in costs of raw materials and, generally speaking, before any increase is permitted there is an accountant's investigation into the costs of production. One was carried out into the cost of children's underwear and nightwear and another is being undertaken in regard to certain kinds of children's outerwear.
Brigadier ClarkeWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that this rise in price is mainly due to the devaluation policy of the Government and other foolishness they have permitted in the past?