asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the need for fuel economy, he will extend the provisions of Statutory Instrument No. 39, 1950, which restricts hire-purchase credit facilities for price-controlled goods, to electric fires.

Domestic heating appliances are included in the current review of those price controls over consumer goods which have been withdrawn since the war. If, as a result of that review, statutory price control is reimposed over electric fires, the provisions of the Hire Purchase Order made under the Goods and Services (Price Control) Act, 1941, will again apply to them.

Apart from the question of price control, is the Minister not aware that there are strong reasons, both financial and fuel saving, for curtailing excessive credit facilities for these fuel consuming appliances?

There are many arguments which can be advanced on this subject. As I have said, if we bring back price control, which is at present being considered, this restriction will take effect automatically.