§ 74 and 75. Captain Prescottasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in order that the textile industry may achieve a 50 per cent., or any, increase in exports, he will arrange for it to have facilities for conducting experimental work, in view of the fact that, in an average mill, an allocation as low as one half per cent. of normal yarn would suffice; that this could reasonably be provided by the spinners without interfering with war production; and that in most mills the executive staff would, if labour were not available, carry out the necessary operations;
33 (2) whether he is aware that manufacturers are encouraged to advertise their products in overseas journals and that when, as a result thereof, inquiries are received by textile manufacturers, they are unable to quote terms or forward samples in view of the failure of the Government to allow them reasonable facilities to conduct experimental work; and whether he will take steps to remedy this position.
§ Mr. DaltonI have arranged for the Cotton Controller to issue licences for the use of cotton and rayon yarn for experimental work. But supplies of yarn are still insufficient to meet essential needs at home and in the Empire, and only very small quantities can be spared at present for this purpose.
§ Captain PrescottIs the House to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that quantities of cotton yarn will be available?
§ Mr. DaltonCertainly, subject to the control in question.