HC Deb 26 June 1952 vol 502 cc2430-1
39. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will be in a position to announce the qualitative specifications which he intends to replace the former Utility specifications.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

During the past three months the industries concerned, in association with the British Standards Institution, have made considerable progress towards the establishment of new textile and clothing standards. As the statement of progress to date is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Williams

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I remind him that already there are large quantities of shoddy goods on sale? Is he taking any action to prevent the sale of such goods?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I would say in answer that the British public today can get better value for money in the shops than at any time since the war. [HON. MEMBERS: "But they have not the money."]

Following is the statement:

ESTABLISHMENT OF TEXTILE AND CLOTHING

STANDARDS

1. Work completed.

All concerned have agreed specifications, which will be published shortly, for:

2. Standards in draft and under discussion.

Specifications for the following articles have been prepared and the British Standards Institution is obtaining views about them from manufacturers, distributors, users and consumers:

3. Standards proposed by industry but not yet circulated for discussion.