Mr. W. T. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a further statement about the review by the Central Price Regulation Committee of price controls over consumer goods which have been removed.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossYes. The Central Price Regulation Committee have now completed this review. The Committee have confirmed the view in their previous report that, in general, price increases since decontrol have not been excessive having regard to rises in raw material prices and other costs; but they have reached the conclusion, after considering all the circumstances, that it will be necessary in the near future to introduce price control, either on a statutory or a voluntary basis, over vacuum flasks, toys and indoor games, dusters, floorcloths, and scouring cloths. I am taking steps to give effect to these recommendations and discussions are being opened with the industries concerned to work out with them a suitable form of control which could be put into operation without delay when the need arises.