HC Deb 24 February 1937 vol 320 cc1995-6
55. Mr. Burke

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give careful consideration to the use of cotton cloth in aeroplane manufacture, with a view to assisting the Lancashire cotton trade?

Sir V. Warrender

The use of cotton fabrics for aircraft has been the subject of research since 1934, in co-operation with several Lancashire firms, and although such fabrics do not at present appear to possess all the advantages of linen fabrics, further research is proposed It should, however, be added that very little fabric is used on aircraft of current design.

Mr. Burke

Is the hon. Member aware that for many years past Lancashire has produced a cloth which was made originally for Sir Wilfred Grenfell, in Labrador, which has been used in every expedition and found to be absolutely wind and air proof, that the wide range of cloths at the White City has astonished all who have seen them, and is it not time that this matter was gone into by the Government?

Sir V. Warrender

I said that research on this question has been going on since 1934.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it a fact that the Air Force is wrapping margarine in this cloth?