§ 98. Mr. Tiffanyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a price list of footwear and clothing that has increased in price since the removal of subsidies.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe following increases in manufacturers' ceiling prices for footwear and clothing have already been approved because of the withdrawal of the subsidies:
- Utility footwear—27½ per cent. (this includes adjustments to cover other increases in costs) (S.I. 1948 No. 13).
- Domestic overalls—25 per cent. to 33½ per cent. according to type (S.I. 1948 No. 216).
- Industrial overalls—44 per cent. (S.I. 1948 No. 216).
- Handkerchiefs—35 per cent., on average (S.I. 1948 No. 119).
The price of non-utility footwear has also increased because of the removal of the subsidy, but there are no ceiling prices for these goods.
Owing to reductions in the percentage amounts allowed for distributors' margins, these ceiling price increases will be reduced at the retail stage to:
- Utility footwear—17½ per cent. (S.I 1948 No. 97).
- Domestic overalls—18½ per cent to 26½ per cent. (S.I. not yet made).
- Industrial overalls—36½ per cent. (S.I. not yet made).
- Handkerchiefs—20 per cent., on average (S.I. 1948 No. 171).