§ 20. Mr. George Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of overalls is still causing grave concern in the industrial areas; and whether he will increase the allocation of industrial drill to overall manufacturers.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI am aware that supplies of overalls are not sufficient to meet all requirements, but supplies of cloth could only be increased in the short run by reducing exports to dollar markets which I am not prepared to do. Efforts 1089 are being made to increase the total production of overall cloth, but garment makers are not likely to feel the benefit of this for several months.
§ Mr. WardIs the Minister aware that for several months certain garments of unbleached cotton, notably polishers' pinafores and joiners' aprons, have been unobtainable in the Midlands? Will he look into that matter?
§ Mr. WilsonAs I have said on a number of occasions, we have been well aware of the acute shortage of these overalls, but I am sure the hon. Member would not suggest that we should cut down our supplies of this material to dollar areas.