§ 64. Mr. T. C. TAYLORasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that thousands of empty wooden oases are being held in stock in export packing houses in Manchester which were made, before the Order in Council of the 24th April last, to be in readiness for cotton piece goods purchased and at bleachers; that large quantities of such bleached goods now ready for export are being held back because exporters are not allowed to pack them in the cases already made for them; and whether, seeing that the Lancashire export trade in cotton goods is thus being restricted, he will now give permission for such cases as were made before the above-named Order in Council to be used for the purpose for which they were intended?
Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend is informed by the Timber Controller that the packing cases referred to are being absorbed by other trades for goods which are still permitted to be cased, and that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce is acting as agent for the distribution of the cases. In these circumstances, and in view of the urgent necessity for economising, he regrets that he does not see his way to give the permission desired by my hon. Friend. I am glad to say that the Order to which reference is made is effecting a very material saving in timber and consequently in tonnage.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs the hon. Gentleman aware that goods are being kept back for the want of these cases of suitable size?