§ 19. Miss Burtonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take powers by Statutory Instrument to enforce a minimum standard for materials of fastness to light; and whether, in framing such standards, consideration will be given to the necessary minimum fastness to light of different fabrics such as lingerie dresses, suitings and furnishings.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir.
§ Miss BurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proposed minimum standards of fastness to light of the British Standards Institution for blouses 1887 and lingerie should, in the opinion of the trade, be twice as good as they are? Can he also tell me whether I am correct in stating that these standards are not based on tests made of the materials in actual use? Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is important that curtains should not fade immediately they are put up?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe Question asks me whether I will take statutory powers to enforce minimum standards. As I made clear to the hon Lady, of whose interest in the matter I am fully aware, I am not prepared to take such powers to enforce these standards.