§ 87. Mr. Royleasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that whilst tailoring firms who make cheaper suits are asking customers to wait from six to twelve months for delivery, more exclusive firms charging higher prices are able, in most cases, to give delivery in two or three weeks; what is the explanation of this divergency; and if he will consider equalising the distribution of cloth.
§ Sir S. CrippsI understand that delivery in two or three weeks is exceptional in any section of the men's clothing trade, but I am aware that some customers are having to wait at least six months. The delays are due to the general shortage of cloth, and to the accumulation of civilian orders in firms which were heavily engaged on the manufacture of suits for the demobilisation clothing programme. The last part of the Question does not therefore arise.