§ 95. Mr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent it is proposed to import baby carriages from abroad; how many potential manufacturers in this country only await the necessary materials; and whether he is satisfied that it would not be more economic to manufacture these carriages in this country.
§ Mr. BelcherWe have so far received applications to import 2,282 perambulators which will make a small but welcome contribution towards easing the present shortage in this country. The production of perambulators has, in some cases, been held up by delays in the delivery of materials, particularly steel, but, in cooperation with the export group for the industry, we are doing all we can to cure these and to prevent them recurring in the future. There is no shortage of push-chairs, and these are not being imported.
§ 106. Mr. J. Fosterasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to remedy the shortage of perambulators in the Northwich area of Cheshire.
§ Mr. BelcherThe output of prams continues to improve, but supply is still short of demand. I am not aware that the Northwich area is getting less than its fair share of what is available, but I am having an investigation made.