§ 6. Mr. Royleasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the licensing section of his Department, which is responsible for the issue of licences to enable cotton-spinners to obtain card wire, is at least four months behind with the necessary authorisations; and, as this reacts upon the quality of cotton yarn being spun and affects the earning capacity of the workers engaged on subsequent processes, if he will expedite the issue of licences and, if necessary, restrict the export of this material.
§ Mr. WilmotIf my hon. Friend is referring to licences for card clothing, I regret that some delay has occurred where it has been necessary, owing to shortage of supplies, to make a physical examination of a customer's need, but arrangements have now been made to speed up the issue of licences. As regards the last part of the Question, exports of card clothing are kept under constant review in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who is concerned to ensure that the essential needs of the cotton industry are met, while at the same time maintaining supplies to overseas countries.