HC Deb 05 November 1945 vol 415 cc889-90
31 and 32. Mr. Boardman

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will give information concern- ing the stocks of silk, nylon, cotton and other fabrics now held by parachute and balloon manufacturing firms; and will he authorise the release of such materials to be used for the purposes of clothing;

(2) whether he is aware of the quantities of silk, nylon, cotton and other fabrics rendered useless in their present forms as parachutes; and will he authorise their conversion into articles of clothing.

Sir S. Cripps

It is estimated that the total quantities are approximately 6,500,000 yards, of which approximately 3,500,000 yards are cotton and the remainder nylon, with the exception of small quantities of artificial silk and linen. These piece goods are being released for clothing and other civilian requirements as fast as they become available. 26,000,000 yards of nylon, cotton and celanese will become available from finished parachutes which have been surrendered by the Services as surplus, and when a full review has been made these quantities may be increased. Arrangements are being made for the conversion into clothing and other goods of these parachutes.