Higher Grade Utility Cloth

HC Deb 08 July 1948 vol 453 cc564-5

35. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of higher grade utility cloth for home consumption; and what steps are being taken to make available increased supplies.

Mr. H. Wilson

Production of the higher grade utility cloths is limited by the need to leave adequate capacity for the production of similar cloth for export especially to hard currency markets. Subject to this, it is my intention to maintain a substantial production of higher grade utility cloths, but I cannot jeopardise supplies of the cheaper cloths required by those with less money.

Sir W. Wakefield

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that increased supplies of high grade utility cloth will be made available in the near future?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, Sir, I hope production will increase, but we cannot have it increasing at the expense of the cheaper utility cloth.