§ 27. Major Tufton Beamishasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of grey flannel or other lightweight long trousers is causing serious concern; what is the cause of this shortage; and if he will give an assurance that no summer weight long trousers will be exported until adequate supplies are available for the home market.
§ Sir S. CrippsThis shortage is due to the increased demand brought about by demobilisation, while cloth production, especially of worsted flannel is still considerably below the prewar level, though it is gradually increasing. Export licences are not normally issued for utility garments, which represent about 80 per cent. of the total production; but the urgent need to increase textile exports makes it necessary to allow non-utility garments to be freely exported.
§ Major BeamishIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that what people want is trousers and not just his promises? Does he remember that old schoolboy rhyme about the highwayman who pointed his pistol and demanded,
Your money or your life,Your trousers or your wife"?Is it not a fact that under this Government the British people are suffering a crushing burden of taxation, and that the Government are taking not only their money but their trousers as well?
Lieut.-Colonel DowerIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this worsted material is far too heavy, and does not really replace flannel, and that if this shortage goes on, we shall have to wear shorts?