§ 9. Miss Burtonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the South African Wool Board has asked the Minister concerned for the complete labelling of all textiles; that the representatives of 14 of the largest women's organisations in Britain met recently in London and recommended the informative labelling of all textiles, including the percentages of constituent fibres and a statement as to whether any particular fabric should be washed or dry-cleaned; and if, therefore, he will receive a deputation representative of consumer, retailer and manufacturer interests to discuss the matter.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware of these developments. I am informed that the matter is under consideration by the British Standards Institution, on which the various interests concerned are represented. I doubt whether it would help for me to receive a deputation, at any rate at this stage, and I should prefer to await the outcome of B.S.I.'s deliberations.
§ Miss BurtonDid not the right hon. Gentleman inform the House on several occasions recently that he was definitely not in favour of this labelling by fibre content? If so, may we take it now that he has changed his mind and would favour it?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNo, Sir.That would be a very wide interpretation of my answer.