Mr Humphrey Atkins: asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reduce the initial deposit required under his Hire-Purchase Regulations on sewing machines from 50 per cent. to 20 per cent.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: Does my hon. and learned Friend not realise that the other company manufacturing sewing machines is being seriously embarrassed in its efforts to increase its exports of these machines, and that if the Regulations are left as they are, such efforts as the company is making are most unlikely to be as successful as he would like them to be.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: I must ask the House to be kind enough to extend to me the indulgence which it usually grants to maiden speachers. I am aware that this is a highly controversial subject, and that it is my duty, as a maiden speaker, to be non-controversial. I can only say that I shall do my best, although I must be controversial to the extent of expressing an opinion. First, I should like to say how much I...
