HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc982-3
10. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the numerous complaints regarding tearing from seams and unsatisfactory wear of women's raincoats, why he has taken no steps to enforce the existing British standard in this respect.

Sir D. Eccles

There is a British standard for plastic rainwear. The standard being voluntary, it is not my business to enforce it. I have no powers to do so.

Mrs. Mann

Did not the Department six years ago set up a Women's Advisory Council of the British Standards Institution? When such a body gives advice, why does not the President of the Board of Trade take it?

Sir D. Eccles

Not many complaints have been brought to the Board of Trade and it is our opinion that competition is better than legislation, which would be extremely difficult to administer.