§ Mr. Yorkasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the position in regard to supplies of cane for chair and basket making; and whether he will take steps to increase supplies in order to help blind persons engaged in that trade.
§ Sir S. CrippsSupply of cane from the Far East has been impossible during the Pacific war and is unlikely to return to normal for some time. Alternative sources of supply in India and West Africa have been utilised but, until supplies- again become available from the Far East, shortage is likely to continue. My Department is in close touch with the trade, including that section representing blind workers, and is doing its best to assist in this matter.