HC Deb 12 November 1945 vol 415 cc1722-3
85. Mr. Gaitskell

asked the President, of the Board of Trade whether for the benefit of those who make their own clothes he will arrange for a larger proportion of utility cloth to be supplied through retail shops.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that this is not possible at present since any increase in the share for the counter trade at the expense of makers-up would cause unemployment in clothing firms, including those in the development areas. Addiitonal quantities for the shops will be made available as soon as supplies permit. I am arranging for them to receive a substantial quantity of surplus parachute cloths in the near future.