HC Deb 17 May 1939 vol 347 c1390
37. Mr. Sexton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give the approximate weight of woollen products, clothing, blankets, etc., supplied to his Department for the years 1937 and 1938, respectively; and the estimated weight of similar products for the present year?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

Exact figures are not available, and could only be obtained by a disproportionate amount of work. Very approximate figures for 1937 and 1938 are 1,200,000 lbs. and 1,350,000 lbs. respectively. The estimated corresponding figure for 1939 is approximately 1,600,000 lbs.

Mr. Sexton

In these days of demands for a square deal in industry, will not the Government insist on a high percentage of home-produced wool being used under these Government contracts, and so give a square deal to the sheep farmers of this country?