HC Deb 20 May 1947 vol 437 cc234-5W
Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the President of the Board of Trade, (1) how many cots were produced in 1938 and 1946 respectively; what is the anticipated production for 1947; and what is the estimated number required for the home market this year;

(2) how many perambulators were produced in 1938 and 1946 respectively; what is the anticipated production for 1947; and what is the estimated number required for the home market this year.

Mr. Belcher

572,000 prams and bed folders were produced in this country in 1938 but no information is available about the number of cots produced in that year. Production in 1946 was 563,000 prams and bed folders and 224,000 Utility cots, plus a small number of non-Utility cots. It is not possible to estimate 'the production of cots in 1947 until we can see more clearly what raw materials will be available. As regards prams, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to similar Questions on this subject on 6th May last. It is a fair assumption that there will be about a million live births in 1947 compared with 952,000 in 1946. Not every child, however, will require a new pram or cot.