83. Mrs. Whiteasked the Minister of Supply what arrangements have been made to review the textile and clothing orders placed through his Department to ensure that, wherever possible, rayon or a rayon mixture is substituted for cotton, so as to save dollars and provide employment in the rayon industry.
§ Mr. SandysThe possibility of using rayon in the manufacture of clothing and textiles for the Services has for some time been under investigation. Small quantities are already being used for a few articles. Any large extension of the use of rayon by the Services must await the completion of these investigations and of user trials.
§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Supply what is the estimated total value of the Government orders for woollen goods which he is placing with manufacturers under the scheme for additional defence contracts for textiles.
§ Mr. SandysThe value of the contracts placed by the Ministry of Supply for woollen goods is about £2 million, and14W tenders have been invited for a further £2⅓ million. Further orders are under consideration.