§ Mr. Broadasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to authorise a substantial increase in the manufacture of hats for men, having regard to the acute shortage of supplies in many areas and to the relatively short life of hats not made from fur.
§ Mr. DaltonI recently raised the rate of quota for headwear from 50 per cent. to 60 per cent., by value, of supplies in 1941; this was the rate suggested by the industry as appropriate in present circumstances. But large orders for men's hats have been placed by the Ministry of Supply for the demobilisation programme, and these will substantially reduce civilian supplies for a time.