§ 26. Mr. Burdenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will remove price control from all nylon stockings and in particular from imported nylons as from 1st January, 1953, when importations are to recommence.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir. Nylon stockings are still scarce. Exports are again increasing and imports next year are likely to be very small. In these circumstances therefore, I do not think that I should be justified in removing price control.
§ Mr. BurdenIs the President aware that if nylons are to be imported next year the duty and Purchase Tax will make the cost so high that it will be impossible to sell them within the controlled price, and that nylons thus imported are likely to find their way into the black market, especially in view of the recent shortage?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIf there is a question about what level the price control ought to be, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down. The Question here is whether I should remove it. I try to remove price controls where I think they are doing no good, but I think that in this case they are still necessary.
§ Mrs. MannIs the President aware that his refusal to remove price control will be gratefully received by the women of this country, and that if he has to endure any pain from his own party in respect of the stand which he has taken many of us on this side will be willing to give him an analgesic?