9. Dr. Bronghtonasked the President of the Board of Trade for what purpose the Minister of State, Board of Trade, made an official visit to woollen textile mills in the West Riding of Yorkshire on 21st April, 1954.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThis visit was an informal one, undertaken in order to enable the Minister to see some of the processes, and to meet leading personalities, in this very important exporting industry.
§ Dr. BroughtonWill the President say what opinion was expressed to him by his right hon. Friend, after the visit, on the state of health of this industry which for generations has been, and still is, of vital importance to the economy of the country?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftMy right hon. Friend informed me that he was much impressed by the vigorous and enterprising outlook of the industry concerned.