§ 2. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to prevent the disappearance of the finer tweed and cloth trade of Scotland; and, in particular, will he bear this industry in mind in connection with his plans for post-war Scotland?
Mr. JohnstonI am advised by the Scottish Advisory Council on Industry that the Scottish tweed and cloth trade is receiving a fair share of Government work and a fair allocation of wool for civilian production. If my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary I shall be glad to ask the Advisory Council to look into it. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Secretary of State see to it that in the case of any more new industries in Scotland Fife gets a fair share of them?
§ 22. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to preserve the export trade of the finer tweed and cloth industry of Scotland; and whether he is aware that unless steps are now taken to assist the industry, which largely depends on the skill of its workers, this valuable export trade may be lost?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Exports of woollen goods, as of other goods, have had to be limited, but I am glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that Scottish industry is getting its fair share of the present export trade.