§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the average increase in the cost of children's shoes and clothes since 1st January 1974; and whether any Government funds are currently being used to help keep down the cost of these items to the public.
§ Mr. MeacherI have been asked to reply.
411WThe average percentage increase in the retail price of children's clothing in the period mid-January to mid-September 1974 was 18 per cent. For children's footwear for the same period it was 11 per cent. to 12 per cent. There are no Government funds directly allocated to reducing the cost of children's clothing and footwear but articles which fall into this category are zero rated for VAT purposes and additionally any price increases would be subject to the provisions of the Prices Code.