HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 cc187-8
39. Mr. Albu

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now withdraw the restriction on the consolidated hire-purchase agreement in the furniture industry.

41. Mr. Gibson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to reduce the unemployment and short-time working in the furniture-making industry; and whether he has yet come to any conclusions on the recommendations made to him by both sides of the industry.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Donald Kaberry)

I have nothing to add to the reply given last Thursday by my right hon. Friend to similar Questions on this subject.

Mr. Albu

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this restriction is having a great effect on the industry? Can he say whether or not representations made by the industry in regard to this matter are being considered?

Mr. Kaberry

I can give the hon. Member that assurance. My right hon. Friend met a deputation from both sides of the industry within the last three weeks and is giving the matter careful consideration.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the association between carpets and furniture?

Mr. Lewis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members who represent constituencies which have furniture factories in them find that many of their constituents are either unemployed or under-employed and on short time and that unions and manufacturers claim that that is because of the restriction? Will he do something quickly about this problem?

Mr. Kaberry

My right hon. Friend is bearing that in mind, but I am sure the House will remember that the latest figures, to the end of April, show that, compared with last year, there are more people employed in the furniture industry.

Mr. Gaitskell

Nevertheless, in view of the serious situation in the industry, the amount of short time and some degree of unemployment which exists, can the hon. Gentleman tell us when the President of the Board of Trade is likely to make an announcement on this subject?

Mr. Kaberry

Perhaps the right hon. Member will put that Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Hall

Is my hon. Friend aware that the experience of unemployment and short time is not common to all furniture manufacturing areas, and that in some areas there is no unemployment or short time? Nevertheless, will he look at the problem with sympathy, because it affects a large part of the furniture trade?

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the hon. Gentleman try to give a slightly more helpful answer because of the great concern of many people in the country and many hon. Members whose constituents are in difficulty? Can he give some idea when the President of the Board of Trade is likely to make up his mind on this subject?

Mr. Kaberry

My right hon. Friend is considering all the representations made to him. I draw the attention of the House to the fact that, compared with last year, there are more people now employed in the furniture industry.

Mr. Attlee

Could the hon. Gentleman come to my constituency in Walthamstow and have a talk with employees and employers there to find what is the condition of the furniture trade?