Mr. ALFRED T. DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether quantities of cloth are being held in stock by manufacturers; whether investigation has been made as to the price of production of these stocks; whether such investigation demonstrates that they could be released at prices far below those now being charged and still yield a fair profit; and whether means for compelling manufacturers to release such cloth can be made in view of the national need?
§ Sir R. HORNEIf my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of the cloth and of the manufacturers who are alleged to be withholding supplies, the necessary inquiries will be made in order to ascertain whether any action can be taken in the matter.