§ 69. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the production of conveyor belting has been almost brought to a standstill owing to the large quantity purchased from the U.S.A.; and what action he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. J. FreemanNo, Sir. The production of conveyor belting has not been brought to a standstill or appreciably reduced. The average monthly production rate this year is 997,000 feet, and the actual production in October was 924,000 feet.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some mills in my constituency have had to give up the whole flow of production by turning the machinery to other uses and that this is due entirely to these excessively large orders placed in the United States, said to be double requirements?
§ Mr. FreemanI think that question probably applies to the manufacture of cotton duck. That is not quite the same as conveyor belting and the hon. Member should put another question down about it.