§ 28. Mr. Norman Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement as to the future prospects for nylon stocking allocations on the home market.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)Deliveries of nylon stockings to the home market in the first 10 months of this year have already exceeded by over 25 per cent. the quantity delivered in the whole of last year. At the same time, there has been a welcome increase in exports. Greater demands for nylon yarn for defence purposes mean that in future there will be less yarn for stocking manufacture. With our present urgent need of foreign exchange, it is clearly necessary that any cut should not fall on 1703 exports, and if exports are to be maintained, and, indeed, as I hope, increased, it follows that there must be fewer nylon stockings at home.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the great importance of nylon stockings to most women and some men, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a ray of hope of there being more adequate supplies to the home market of these dynamic morale-boosting items?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftWhile not underestimating the importance of nylon stockings for the purposes which the hon. Member describes, I would say that in our present economic position the promotion of exports is vital to our economy and every step must be taken to secure that end.