Mr. Alexanderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that deliveries of cotton yarn are slow and not obtainable in sufficient quantities, and whether his attention has been called to the fact that spinning mills continue to be sold on the instructions of the Cotton Spindles Board, on the understanding that the plant and machinery are no longer to be used for the manufacture of cotton yarn; and whether it is proposed to suspend such instructions for the duration of the war?
Major Lloyd GeorgemIn answer to the first part of the Question, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke) on 20th February. On his other points, I would explain that the Spindles Board 1549W have not acquired any mills since the outbreak of war, their purchasing powers having lapsed in September, 1939. The sales that have recently taken place have been almost wholly of obsolete plant or machinery acquired before the war for which use could not be found in this country. Such machinery as was fit for use was sold to the trade.