HC Deb 15 April 1946 vol 421 c2322
8. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the large stocks of wool in Britain, he will withdraw all restrictions and licences as to the disposal, processing and marketing of wool and its products.

Mr. Belcher

Arrangements have been made whereby the supply of raw wool to users has already been very largely transferred into private channels of trade, and the building up of stocks of wool in private hands is also being permitted. Control over such transactions and over the processing of wool is, however, still necessary in order to ensure the required output of utility and other goods, including demands for the Services and the export trade.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the industry were given complete freedom, it would be clearly of benefit at home and to the export trade?

Mr. Belcher

No. Sir.