asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take immediate steps to have textile goods substantially reduced in prices, as British warehouses advertise reduced prices every day owing to the low price of wool.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Textile Goods.
The system of control over the prices of textiles operated by my Department provides that any reduction in the cost of production is reflected as quickly as possible in retail prices. It is my intention to continue this system of control.
Is the Minister aware that at the moment a lot of the textile manufacturers have their employees on short time. I believe — whether the Minister believes it or not I do not know —that is for the purpose of increasing the cost of these articles at the psychological moment.
The Deputy is completely misinformed. There are other questions dealing with that to which I shall reply later.
Will the Minister consider taking the necessary precautions to have these people clamped down again with regard to prices, especially in view of the fact that I understand the number of his inspectors has been reduced.
It cannot be alleged that there is a trade slump in the industry and at the same time that people are getting excessive prices. Both things cannot be true.