HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1097-8
7. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking arising from the rejection by the Wholesale Textile Association of the quality mark scheme of the British Standards Institution for clothing.

8. Mr. Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Wholesale Textile Association has rejected the whole "Kite Mark" scheme for quality standards for clothing; and if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made towards the setting up of quality standards schemes in the textile industry to replace the old Utility specifications.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I assume that the hon. Members have in mind the adoption by the Council of the Wholesale Textile Association of a report by one of their sub-committees to the effect that the use of a "Kite Mark" or any other general mark on textiles is unnecessary and undesirable. That, of course, in no way prevents the British Standards Institution, of which the W.T.A. is an active member, from continuing its work on the preparation of British Standards in accordance with its normal procedure. I have always made it clear that the adoption of such standards is voluntary. Similarly, any "Kite Mark" scheme for goods reaching such standards must itself be first worked out and then applied on a voluntary basis. No action on my part is required. A statement of progress was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 5th February.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

But will not the President recall that he scrapped the Utility scheme in the hope that manufacturers would voluntarily adopt the quality markings approved by the British Standards Institution? To that extent, has he not both misled himself and deluded the public?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think not. The Wholesale Textile Association is not the only association in this field; it does not represent all the manufacturers.

Mr. Lewis

Will the President give an assurance that if the association do not eventually come to some agreement on the question of standards and the quality of standards, he will reintroduce the whole procedure of the Utility specifications?

Mr. Thorneycroft

No. I think that would be a very drastic action to take.

Mr. Fort

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the action which has been taken is welcomed among sections of the textile industry and that there is every hope that standards will shortly be agreed?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am very much obliged to my hon. Friend for reminding us of that fact.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is not this a rather serious development? The Wholesale Textile Association is a very important body and has, in effect, turned down the Government's proposals. Will not the right hon. Gentleman intervene in this matter and ask them why they have adopted this extraordinary attitude towards standards of quality?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Wholesale Textile Association, of course, condemned the use of the "Kite Mark." They did not condemn the working out and application of standards. I think it is important to draw a distinction between the two. For my own part, I disagree with the views expressed by the Wholesale Textile Association. I think that theirs is a retrograde step, and I hope they may reconsider the matter. In general, the textile industry are genuinely seeking to work out the policy which we suggested.