HC Deb 03 April 1947 vol 435 cc2195-7
15. Mrs. Wills

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the effect of the fuel crisis on production is yet sufficiently established for him to make a definite announcement of the period for which the present issue of clothing coupons will have to last.

22. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends in the near future to raise the clothing ration allowances.

25. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the decrease in output of cotton yarn, which during the fuel crisis fell to one-third of current normal production, will affect the present or future issues of clothing coupons and the maintenance of exports.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. The loss of production in the cotton and wool industries over the winter period will amount to about two months' output in all, and the present issue of 32 coupons will therefore have to be made to last until the end of October. The loss of production extends also to production for export.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman concentrate all his energy upon increasing supplies to the textile industry, with a view to a betterment of the output of household goods?

Sir S. Cripps

I am doing that at the present moment.

Mr. Erroll

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us why, in view of the alarming announcement he has just made, he is taking steps to encourage the export of cotton yarn at the present time?

Sir S. Cripps

I am not.

Mr. Erroll

Is it not a fact that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has been offering an increasing inducement to spinners in respect of exports?

Sir S. Cripps

I made an announcement some time ago in the House about the relationship between the export trade and the home trade, and that relationship is being observed.

Sir William Darling

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that while coupons may be made to extend for another two months, the clothing which they might be used to replace will not?

Sir S. Cripps

It depends upon the quality of their manufacture.