Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Minister of Supply what representations he has received from the Fellmongers Association regarding the diversion of skins to Northern Ireland; and what were the reasons for the decision?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanA small quantity of sheepskins produced in Northern Ireland has been allocated on an experimental basis to a firm started there shortly before the war. The Fellmongers Association protested on the ground that this reduced the quantity available for distribution among established fellmongers, but it was decided to make the allocation in view of the heavy unemployment in Northern Ireland, and the fact that the undertaking in question produce particular grades of leather for which there is an export demand.