73. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the President of the Board of Trade why yarns are still being spun of black out counts and woven under black out specifications; and why canvases and similar materials to service specifications are still being woven in quantities.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Belcher)These counts and weaving specifications are for standard cloths used for many peacetime purposes, including utility sheets and curtains. The Service specifications for canvases and similar materials are common prewar specifications for these materials, and they are now largely being woven to meet the needs of transport and agriculture.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonIs the Minister aware that these cloths are being disposed of by the Surplus Stores Division of the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. BelcherThe hon. and gallant Member asks me if I am aware that they are being disposed of. I am not aware of that.