§ 81. Mr. Haireasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of hessian, economies in its use can be effected or substitutes found; and what progress is being made in these directions.
Mr. H. WilsonStringent economies are already being enforced by a reduction in allocations of new hessian. The use of substitutes such as second-hand bags and paper sacks is being pressed as far as possible. In the particular case of furniture, the Board of Trade specification now permits the use of millboard in certain places where hessian would normally be used, while permission will be granted for the use of any other material provided that it is considered a satisfactory substitute for hessian. Certain types of linen fabric have already been accepted and other materials are being investigated.