§ 2. Miss Burtonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, while reputable manufacturers adopt high quality standards these are entirely voluntary and that there is nothing to compel bad firms to take any notice or to protect good manufacturers from unfair competition; that this countrylags behind others in such protection both for the manufacturer and the consumer; and if he will, therefore, set up a committee to study the matter and to make recommendations.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftWe can best rely on the responsibility of manufacturers in general, and on the good sense of the public in exercising free choice in a competitive market, to maintain quality. I do not consider, therefore, that a committee is needed to study the matter.
§ Miss BurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we cannot rely upon people's good sense in this matter, because they do not know what standard the goods are until they buy them, and, secondly, that many manufacturers are producing goods which are not worth buying? Would he not look at this matter again?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThere is rather a difference of approach between the hon. Lady and myself on this matter.