§ 13. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that supplies of utility clothing are adequately maintained, especially to those parts of the country such as Tees-side, where heavy industry is carried on and where the lack of supplies at the moment is causing serious inconvenience.
§ Mr. WilsonEverything possible is being done to raise the supply of utility and other clothing to the highest level consistent with the achievement of the export targets for the textile and clothing industries. I have no evidence that supplies on Tees-side are shorter than elsewhere, but if my hon. Friend has any particular shortage in mind and will let me have details I will look into the position.
§ Mr. CooperIs there any differentiation made between one part of the country and another in the supplies of clothing in order to meet the requirements of those engaged in heavy and dirty industries, as protective clothing does not always meet the case?
§ Mr. WilsonWhere we have evidence that clothing is in short supply for that or any other reason, we attempt to divert supplies of clothing.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that supplies have been short on Tees-side for the past two years?
19. Lady Grantasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider arranging for all children's utility clothing to be made with sufficient turnings and hems to allow for growth, and thereby save extra expenditure of coupons and money.
§ Mr. H. WilsonDiscussions are now being conducted by the British Standards Institution into minimum standards of making of children's garments. As soon as results from this investigation are available I will consider incorporating such standards in the utility specifications.