§ Mr. Randallasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement about the subsidy payments on utility cotton sheets, towels, pillow-cases, blankets, tickings and quilt cloth.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes. It has been decided to discontinue these subsidies as from 2nd June, in 'accordance with the general policy outlined in the Budget Speech of my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of concentrating the subsidies on a smaller number of commodities. The consequential increases in maximum prices for goods on which subsidy has hitherto been paid but will not in future be paid, will be of the order320W of 20–60 per cent.—The new maximum prices for manufacturers will be authorised by directions issued by the Board of Trade to come into force on 2nd June and the changes in wholesale and retail prices will be made shortly thereafter.