A group of parents have complained to the Chamber of Commerce about the cost of school clothing and supplies.

And they have called on the Chamber's retail division to step in and address the problem.

The Royal Gazette has learned that at least 150 parents will be unable to provide school clothing and supplies for their children this year without assistance.

And that number, according to a founder of one charity, is expected to increase.

Hands of Love's Fern Wade said her organisation expected to assist 40 students in its school supplies fund raising drive this year. But it has received requests to help 115 students so far.

Mrs. Wade said as a result of this the group may have to extend its drive which was scheduled to end this month.

"When we first started three years ago there were half a dozen children who needed our assistance,'' she noted. "Then it grew to 25. This year we expected to assist 40. But it is now 115 and growing.'' Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs. Wade stressed that the Chamber, Government, and the community needed to look at ways of addressing the problem.

In a letter sent to Chamber vice president Cyanne Thomas, dated August 15, Ms Wade suggested the following: Reducing the Customs duty on school items; Putting school clothing and other school supplies on sale during August; Offering "buy one and get one free'' promotions; and Giving families with more than two children some items at half price.

"This issue reoccurs every year during the months of August and September when parents are buying school clothes and many cannot afford to buy them,'' Mrs. Wade wrote.

"During the summer months when the children are out of school, parents have the expense of paying summer camps to keep their children under supervision while they are working.

"Most summer camps cost over $50 a week per child. If a family has two or more children this can be expensive, especially for single parents.

"Most children will be returning to school within the next two to three weeks and parents have a greater expense -- trying to juggle their budget to purchase items that their children need at a price that they cannot afford.'' Mrs. Wade told The Royal Gazette the group of parents were willing to sit down with the Chamber's retail division to discuss the matter.

"Something has to be done,'' she stressed. "Government should look at reducing Custom duties on all school items. The items are too expensive.

"Even if the Finance Minister agrees to reduce duty on school items for one month, we would be grateful. Give people some incentive to shop here.'' The matter is expected to be raised at the Chamber's retail division meeting next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Hands of Love is hoping to raise $5,000 and receive donations of bus passes, bus tickets, and "healthy'' food for students' lunches. For more informaion call 238-2059 after 6 p.m.