§ 6. Mr. HURDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what were the average prices of best-quality 22 oz. worsted suitings for the years 1914 and 1919; and what are the corresponding prices at which these goods are now being bought by tailors from the manufacturers for delivery next winter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am informed that such a cloth as is referred to in the question was sold by manufacturers at about 820 6s. per yard in 1914 and at about 23s. per yard a year ago. For delivery this year, about 35s. per yard is reported to be the price. I may add that I am also informed with regard to worsted suitings that the great demand at present is for a lighter cloth than that named; that the kind of cloth referred to is special and made in very limited quantities, and that the grades of wool needed for manufacturing this class of cloth are scarce and difficult to obtain.