§ 6. Mr. F. Macleanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, owing to the necessity of buying through his Department, firms in this country using linters have been forced to pay one penny to twopence per lb. more than they would have paid if they had been free to purchase this commodity direct; and what action he proposes to take to remove this disadvantage.
§ Mr. H. WilsonYes. The world shortage of chemical linters in 1946 and 1947 made it necessary to buy supplies at high prices in order to safeguard the requirements of the rayon and other industries. Stocks were built up for this purpose, and until they have been liquidated the selling price must be somewhat above the price abroad. It was, however, reduced on 1st April by seven-eighths of a penny.