§ 42. Miss Burtonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now reached a decision upon the possible increase of the grant made annually to the British Standards Institution.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe maximum grant in the financial year 1956–57 is to be increased to £130,000, as explained in this year's Civil Estimates.
§ Miss BurtonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that all those who wish the British Standards Institution well are pleased about this increase? Is he further aware that in the past year the B.S.I. has made great headway with consumer standards in furniture and bedding but has made none at all in textiles? What increased powers is he prepared to give it so as to overcome the reactionary section of the textile industry?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe consumer aspects of the British Standards Institution are getting their fair share of income. As the hon. Lady will appreciate, this is an increase of £10,000 over this year, which in turn was an increase of £10,000 over the preceding year.