HC Deb 09 July 1918 vol 108 cc158-9
33. Sir R. COOPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total export in value of cotton and woollen yarns from the United Kingdom during 1917?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)

The cotton yarn exported from the United Kingdom during 1917 was valued at £16,701,000, and the woollen and worsted yarns (including alpaca, mohair, and cashmere yarns) exported in 1917 were valued at £5,662,000.

Sir R. COOPER

Is it wise, at a time when so many of our own factories are working short time through shortage of raw material, to export such large quantities of yarns?

Mr. WARDLE

I think the hon. Member will find that the exporting of these quantities gives employment here.