§ 80. Mr. Longdenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the widespread complaint that the supply of men's clothing does not keep pace with that of women's, whilst prices for unusual varieties and out-sizes are exorbitant; and if he will inform the public of the reasons involved.
§ Mr. BelcherYes, I am aware of this complaint. The cloths used in men's 11W clothing, especially worsted suitings, are slower in production than are the types normally made for women's wear, and are also in greater demand for export. As the House has already been informed, manufacturers have been requested to give preference to production of cloths for men's wear and there are now indications that the balance of supplies is moving towards adjustment. Prices for special orders and outsizes are naturally higher than those for ready-made stock sizes, to cover the extra labour and cloth involved, but I do not consider that the permitted charges are excessive.