§ 12. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a number of manufacturing firms in the furniture industry in Manchester and other parts of Lancashire are terminating business owing to hire-purchase restrictions; and what remedial action is proposed.
§ Sir D. EcclesAccording to my information, two small firms, employing fifty-five workers, have closed down in Lancashire this year.
§ Mr. WilliamsAs that information is quite contrary to that which has reached me, will the President of the Board of Trade make further inquiries in the matter? Is he aware not only that firms are closing down, but that quite a number are going on short-time working and one, if not more, is working only one week out of four? Surely, that is a very unsatisfactory situation in Lancashire, where there is much short-time working in the cotton industry. What is the right hon. Gentleman doing about it?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware that there is a decline in the sales of furniture, but it would appear that a considerable proportion of it is due to a change in taste—that is to say, the consumers are showing a preference for television sets, washing machines and things of that nature.