§ 15. Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, by the end of 1951, the Imperial Chemical Industries output of test tube fibre made from the waste product of monkeynuts is estimated to be about 8 million pounds and, if mixed with wool, sufficient for 4 million suits; and if he will make a further statement on this matter.
Mr. H. WilsonI understand the output of protein fibre in 1951 will be of the order mentioned by my hon. Friend. As he was informed in answer to his Question on 12th April, only a small proportion of this fibre will, I understand, be made into suitings. The number of suits which this will make must, of course, depend upon what blend of wool and protein fibre is found to be technically satisfactory for suitings. This is a new fibre and its development continues.
§ Mr. DoddsWould my right hon. Friend agree that this is a discovery with a great future, and would he state whether or not he is wearing today his famous monkeynut wool suit?
Mr. WilsonYes, I have already said I am, and I have not changed it since I gave that answer. I believe that this development, and a number of others, in synthetic fibres have great hopes of future development.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it true that the right hon. Gentleman was the centre of attraction in Paris when he went out arrayed in his suit?
§ Squadron Leader BurdenWill the Minister give an undertaking that this monkeynut fibre will not be described as animal fibre when used alone or in conjunction with wool or other fibres?
§ Mr. William RossCan the President tell us how the cost of this fibre compares 1986 with the present cost of wool, and also the percentage of this fibre that is now being produced in Scotland?
Mr. WilsonUntil it is in full production I do not think it will be possible to get exact costings, but I understand from Imperial Chemical Industries that it will be very cheap in relation to natural wool production.