HC Deb 13 November 1952 vol 507 cc1095-6
10 and 11. Mr. Dodds

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) following the ending of the Utility scheme, what progress has been made in devising methods whereby the public can be assured of reasonable standards for clothing, household linens and furnishing fabrics;

(2) what progress has been made in respect to the problem of informative labelling of clothing as an aid to maximum serviceability.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

In my view, the best assurance of reasonable standards for goods in the shops lies in the competition of British manufacturers for the custom of careful buyers. As the House knows, standards are being agreed between the British Standards Institute and industry to help the customer in his choice, and I understand that British Standards have been published or are in course of publication for bedding, industrial safety footwear and a range of women's, girls' and infants' clothing. Standards for other items of clothing, as well as for some cotton and rayon fabrics and household textiles may be expected before long.

Arrangements for labelling clothing to show compliance with these British Standards are being discussed by the British Standards Institution and the light clothing industry, but they cannot be completed until standards have been issued for the cloth.

Mr. Dodds

But will not the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that undertakings were given, on the scrapping of the Utility scheme, that something else would take its place, and probably better? Will he take a greater interest in this to see that something is brought out which is practical at the earliest possible moment, because there is still need to avoid a great deal of waste?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I take a close interest in this matter, and all the undertakings I have given are being specifically honoured.

Mr. Hirst

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the sort of aspersions contained in Question No. 10 are greatly resented by all those employed in the textile industries, whose products are second to none?

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while voluntary adherence to standards may be all very well, in the economic position of our country many people have not enough money to buy the sort of articles they would like and are inevitably driven to cheaper articles, and that if there is no safeguard of standards they will not be as well clothed as they would be otherwise?

Mr. Thorneycroft

There is a very high standard of goods in the shops available now to discriminating buyers.

Mr. Dodds

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that he gave undertakings that these things would be done at the earliest possible moment, and, with reference to the second of my Questions, does he realise that it is necessary to protect the public from many unscrupulous producers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This work is going steadily forward with the co-operation of the British Standards Institute and the industries concerned, and I am satisfied with what is being done.