§ 98. Mr. J. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the shortage of overall cloth for civilian use is to some extent due to the reluctance on the part of the manufacturers to make utility drills for the home trade because the ceiling prices are too low and they receive better prices for the same goods in the export market; and, in view of the fact that the reduction in supplies of overall cloth is causing hardship in the Lancashire cotton area, if he will reconsider the allocation.
§ Mr. BottomleyWe are aware of the shortage of overall cloth on the home market. Our aim is to maintain supplies48W at the maximum level consistent with the achievement of our export target for cotton goods. As the House is aware, it is necessary to reduce supplies to the home market in order to stimulate exports.