asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the recent increase in the price of clothing which has resulted in a lesser quantity of purchases of clothing by the more necessitous and lowly paid workers; if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the cost of materials, the cost of production, the cost of manufacture, the price from agents to retailers and from them to the wearers; and if he will order prices to be reduced if the inquiry justifies such an order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothing Prices.
I am not aware that there has been any recent increase in the price of clothing. On the contrary, the price of clothing is at present showing a downward tendency as a result of a recent Order made by me reducing the maximum margins of profits which can be taken by traders, and as a result of reductions which have been effected in manufacturers' prices. The prices of cloth and clothing and all factors affecting such costs are under constant review in my Department and appropriate action is taken to effect reductions in prices where such reductions are warranted. I consider these steps sufficient to maintain supervision and control over the prices charged by traders and manufacturers.
Can the Minister justify a price of £7 for a suit of rather shoddy material and a price of £7 10s. for an overcoat for a boy of 14 years of age, a boy whose father is casually employed and who is sometimes on poor law relief? How are these people to get clothes at present?
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister justify a price of £7 10s. for an overcoat and £7 for a suit of rather shoddy material for a boy of 14 years of age?
I have nothing to add to the reply already given to the Deputy.
Then the Minister does try to justify that? That is the position?