HC Deb 19 February 1942 vol 377 cc1903-4
71. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Supply whether, as the linen industry is one of the chief industries in Northern Ireland and in order to prevent additional unemployment through scarcity of flax, he will arrange for the encouragement of the farmers to grow more flax?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

Yes, Sir. Steps have already been taken to this end, and the increased price to be paid for the 1942 crop has been announced.

Dr. Little

Is there any truth in the rumour current in Ulster that 60 per cent. of the flax grown in Ulster in 1942 is to be taken across the Channel from our spinners? Is that true or false?

Sir A. Duncan

I have not heard it.