HC Deb 27 June 1939 vol 349 c204
43. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the War Office Contracts Department has recently placed large orders for cloth in Lancashire and elsewhere, and that the spinners and manufacturers in the cotton trade have indicated their inability immediately to meet such demands because of lack of raw material; whether the Contracts Department has indicated that such raw material will be forthcoming without delay; and, if so, how does the Department propose to secure such supplies?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The War Office have, in fact, placed large orders for cloth in Lancashire and elsewhere. Manufacturers have stated that they have some difficulty in obtaining supplies of yarn from the spinners in the time required, but the spinners have made no representations to the War Department that there has been any actual shortage, although I understand that they are not free from anxiety as regards the future. The Board of Trade are closely watching the position. As far as the War Office is concerned, one of the difficulties in the way of getting supplies is I understand the limited amount of machinery suitable for the production of the heavy cloths required.

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these supplies will be forthcoming, bearing in mind the fact that imports of cotton in this country are down by 1,000,000 bales?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I should hesitate to give an assurance, but one may express a hope.