§ Mr. Slaterasked the President of the Board of Trade what research work is being undertaken by the Furniture Development Council.
§ Mr. RhodesI understand that the Furniture Development Council hope to devise a system of performance tests. Their object would be to protect the public from inferior furniture and the reputable manufacturer from undesirable competition, while at the same time enabling the enterprising manufacturer to try out new methods of construction164W and design. The initiation of a new and difficult form of research takes time, but the Council hope that they will be able to report useful progress, which will, of course, involve considerable additional expenditure on research, during the current year.
§ Mr. Slaterasked the President of the Board of Trade what salaries are paid to members of the Furniture Development Council.
Mr. H. WilsonNone, except for the Chairman, whose salary was fixed by the Board of Trade at £2,000 per annum. The other members are only reimbursed for actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred. I am glad to have this opportunity to correct the impression which may have been given by a supplementary Question by the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 4th July last, that the Council were, in fact, voting themselves large salaries.