HC Deb 23 March 1938 vol 333 cc1196-7
48. Sir Hugh O'Neill

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of a possible shortage in the supply of flax fibre for industrial or munitions purposes, the Government propose to take any steps to ensure an adequate supply from British sources?

The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)

An Inter-Departmental Committee has for some time been carrying out a thorough investigation into the supply of flax from the Defence point of view.

Sir H. O'Neill

Can my right hon. Friend say whether anything can be done quickly?

Sir T. Inskip

The Inter-Departmental Committee is obtaining the necessary information, but I am not sure what my right hon. Friend means by the question which he based upon my answer.

Sir H. O'Neill

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a very large increase in the amount of raw flax available from foreign sources and that there has been an immense diminution in the amount of flax grown in this country, and that, unless some security of prices is given, there will be a real danger?