§ 34. Mr. Piratinasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the reason for the shortage of clothing workers in the utility side of the clothing industry compared with the abundance of labour on the non-utility side, in view of the fact that no more than 16 per cent. of the production of cloth for the home market is distributed for non-utility manufacture; how this distribution takes place; and what check and control his Department maintains upon it.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe labour force engaged in the production of utility clothing is in general adequate, having regard to the limited supplies of utility cloth and linings available. The relative proportion of utility and non-utility cloth is planned at the production stage and the results of the planning are checked at frequent intervals. The distribution of both utility and non-utility cloth to the makers-up is left to the trade who supply it against coupons.
§ Mr. PiratinDoes not the Minister agree that as, apparently, far more than 16 per cent. of the output goes to the non-utility producing firms, this is a case for ensuring that all clothing is utility so that the labour goes into the right channels?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, I am afraid I cannot agree.
§ Mr. OsborneDoes the Minister tell the House that there is adequate labour in the spinning industry?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, I have not said that. We are dealing with the making-up trade for clothing.