§ 66. Mr. JOWETTasked the Home Secretary, with reference to the proposal now under consideration to employ women on the night turn in woolcombing sheds, whether he will endeavour to arrange with the President of the Board of Trade for an inspection of wool fabrics in process of being manufactured in West Riding mills, in order to exclude materials which are merely required by well-to-do people for the sake of elaboration and variety in dress, and in order to restrict production in textile factories to those fabrics which are absolutely necessary and are durable and suitable to all occasions, before he gives his sanction to the employment of women on the night turn in woolcombing sheds; and if he is aware of the fact that the National Organising Committee for War Savings have publicly expressed the view that elaboration and variety in dress is bad form in the present crisis, and that only materials which are durable and suitable for all occasions should be worn?
Mr. SAMUELI am aware of and cordially agree with the appeal of the War Savings Committee for simplicity and economy in dress. I am informed, however, that the production of the more expensive cloths has already fallen off to a very great extent, and that a large proportion of the amount still being made is for the export trade, which it is important to maintain. Meanwhile, it would not be right, in view of the pressing need of supplies for the Army and export trade, to refuse to consider on their merits applications for leave to employ women on the night turn. This permission will only be granted in cases where I am satisfied that it is necessary for the purpose of expediting work being done on behalf of the Crown or required in the national interest.