§ 25. Mr. Silverman(for Mr. Rhys Davies)asked the President of the Board of Trade the restrictions already imposed on the Lancashire cotton industry and those which it is intended to impose in the near future?
§ Mr. LytteltonOn the restrictions imposed by the Limitation of Supplies Orders, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) on nth February. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply that, in order to save shipping space and conserve supplies of 758 cotton, it has been necessary to reduce the total quantity licensed for use by spinners during March to about 2/3 of the monthly consumption in the winter. The general basis for licensing has been the amount of Government and other essential orders, including export orders held by firms.
§ Mr. SilvermanHaving regard to the anxiety which the right hon. Gentleman knows is felt throughout the industry, would be expedite any statement which he proposes to make to the House, in order to show how the difficulties occasioned by this Order are to be apportioned?
§ Mr. LytteltonI hope to make a statement to-day.