§ 32. Sir H. Lucas-Toothasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average period of delay in giving 1641 approval to applications made to him by dry cleaners for permission to increase their prices; and whether he is aware that delays in his Department are causing serious hardship.
§ Mr. DarlingThere has been an average of 10 weeks between application and decision in these early cases. This time will be much reduced in future. I am not aware of any cases of serious hardship.
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothWhile the case which prompted the question was, surprisingly, dealt with on the day after I put the Question down, is the Minister aware that there is reason to suppose that there has been a good deal of buck-passing between his Department and the Department of Economic Affairs in this connection? Will he see that that sort of thing does not happen and that decisions are given more promptly in future?
§ Mr. DarlingYes, Sir. I have given the assurance that decisions will be reached more quickly in the future.