§ 19. Mr. Watkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any further statement to make on the present restrictions on men's clothing?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. I have given careful consideration to certain suggestions which have recently been made to me for relaxing the present restrictions on men's clothing. As my hon. Friend is aware, these restrictions were imposed in order to save material and labour, and have resulted in substantial economies. These are more than ever necessary today, in view of the growing shortage of shipping space available for import of materials for civilian use and the need for further release of workers from the cloth and clothing industries. These restrictions have been in force for nearly a year, and I have reached the conclusion that it would not be in the national interest to relax them now.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that, because material and labour will be saved, his reply will give great satisfaction?
§ Mr. DaltonI am much obliged to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LeachDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that this abolition of the turn-ups is not only saving cloth, but is a sanitary improvement?
§ Mr. DaltonI am much obliged to my hon. Friend.