HC Deb 02 March 1954 vol 524 cc985-7
9. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that men's outer clothing, lower-priced suits, overcoats and sports coats, are showing increased prices averaging 6 per cent, to 10 per cent.; and, in view of complaints regarding decrease in quality of these garments, if he will impose price control and penalties for departure from standards.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No, Sir. The retail prices of these items of clothing have remained steady for several months following a rise which reflected increases in the world price of raw wool. The retail prices of clothing as a whole did not change significantly during 1953, and at the end of the year were lower than in October, 1951. I have no evidence to suggest any decrease in the quality of the garments referred to, and I see no reason to impose controls on the lines suggested in the second part of the Question.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am quoting from the Ministry of Labour Gazette of January, 1954? Does he deny the official figures and is it the case that, while as a whole retail prices of clothing may have remained stable, the Gazette specifically points out these lower-priced goods as bearing this increase? As these goods are used by lower wage earners, is this not inclined to excite wage demands, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think those people worthy of consideration?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sure that the hon. Lady will share my satisfaction that the price of clothing has gone down since 1951, which is of immense benefit to everyone.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the President aware that the prices of raw wool and other raw materials have fallen fantastically com pared with 1951? Is he claiming credit for the fact that the price of clothing has fallen?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I was expressing satisfaction, which I hope will be shared by all, that since 1951 the price of clothing has gone down.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the figures he has given are in marked contrast to those for the years from 1939 to 1951, when it seemed that the cost of clothes would remain permanently high?

10. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a 10 per cent, increase in price of knitting wool and in children's garments containing wool; and if he will take steps to reimpose control on wool prices.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The increase in the average retail price of knitting wool occurred several months ago; in recent months, the average price has remained steady. The average retail prices for children's wool clothing did not change significantly during 1953. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Mrs. Mann

Again, does the right hon. Gentleman know that I am quoting from the Ministry of Labour Gazette of January, 1954? The fact that the price has remained stable for several months gives no satisfaction at all if the stability remains high. Surely it is time that the price came down.

Mr. Thorneycroft

If the hon. Lady will look again at the same article in the Gazette, she will find that in addition to referring to these one or two items it also pointed out that in clothing prices the general tendency since 1951 was downwards.