HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc339-40
9. Sir I. Fraser

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he expects to be able to simplify price control over those ranges of utility goods not covered by his announcement of 2nd January.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I expect to be able to extend the simplified method of control over distributors' prices to practically all utility cloth, household textiles and apparel.

Sir I. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the embarrassment existing in the trades affected—and uncertainty makes it worse—and do all he can to expedite his pronouncement in this matter?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Certainly. I am moving as fast as I can having regard to the vast mass of Orders which I found upon arrival, every one of which requires amendment in order to get this necessary reform through.