HC Deb 28 April 1955 vol 540 cc1059-60
37. Mr. Collins

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that unemployment and under-employment have now arisen in the furniture industry, largely as a result of the recently imposed hire-purchase restrictions; and if he will consider immediate modification of those restrictions especially the prohibition of consolidated agreements.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As in previous years, there has been a seasonal increase in unemployment; despite this, total employment in the industry, according to the latest available figures, was higher in the early part of this year than in the corresponding periods of 1954 or 1953.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that the figures which were quoted by his hon. Friend last week were from 14th March, and they are now six weeks old? The position has deteriorated very considerably since then, and there are many thousands of men on short time and a large number unemployed. The Chairman of the Council of the London Furniture Manufacturers' Association stated in public last week that the furniture industry was rapidly becoming a depressed industry. This is a serious matter, and will the right hon. Gentleman look into it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will naturally watch the position very carefully, but I am not aware that a serious unemployment situation has arisen, and I am not in a position to say that I shall be prepared to modify the hire-purchase arrangements.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since one of the purposes of the restrictions announced on 24th February was to promote the export trade, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what increases in furniture exports he hopes to obtain out of these restrictions?

Mr. Collins

Will the right hon. Gentleman meanwhile inquire from employment exchanges all over the country about the employment position? He will find that, except at High Wycombe, there is serious unemployment.

Mr. Thorneycroft

High Wycombe is a very important furniture centre.

Mr. K. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend keep his eye on the state of the order books in the furniture industry, not only in High Wycombe, but in Lancashire?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir.