§ 36. Mr. Collinsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that domestic furniture deliveries in the first quarter of 1958 were 15 per cent. below the level of the corresponding period in 1954; that, since 1st January, 1957, owing to Government restrictions, particularly affecting the furniture industry, 29 manufacturers in the London area, with 2,027 employees, have gone into liquidation or ceased manufacture; and if he will now announce his proposals for easing the present restrictions.
§ Mr. ErrollDeliveries of domestic furniture in the first quarter of 1958 were in fact higher than in the corresponding period of 1954. I have no figures about the number of closures in the London area since 1st January, 1957, but I know of no evidence that those which have occurred are due to Government restrictions. The representations which were made to my right hon. Friend recently on this subject are under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister aware that last March his right hon. Friend told a trade deputation that the trade 193 was at the head of the queue for easement of restriction, and that since then conditions have very much worsened and that most firms in the trade are on short-time, many on half-time? When will a decision be reached? Is not a serious situation arising?
§ Mr. ErrollI can only repeat what I said in my Answer, that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.