§ 8. Mr. Brockwayasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will exempt domestic furniture from the provisions restricting the operation of hire purchase.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that unemployment is developing in factories which are engaged in furniture production, and that young people are finding it difficult because they are not allowed to buy their furniture on the instalment system? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI should first correct the hon. Gentleman by saying that they can buy furniture on the instalment system. All this Order does is to require 15 per cent. deposit and repayment over 24 months.
Mr. HallIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in the first place, there is no unemployment in the Wycombe area, which has a large furniture industry? Second, is he aware that, in general, it is those who sell hire-purchase terms rather than furniture who are objecting? Nevertheless, will he look at the matter from the point of view of the deposit, because it would help home building, amongst other things, if there were a reduction of the deposit?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIf the right hon. Gentleman cannot do anything about furniture, will he at least consider the representations that have been made on behalf of caravan purchasers, because a lot of them still cannot get houses, even though the Government are claiming to have done so much in that respect?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThat is a different question.