112. Dr. Cornynsasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the many ex-Servicemen returning to their former employment as cabinet makers, he will now agree to an increase in the quota of timber allocated to the furniture and cabinet making industry.
§ Sir S. CrippsMy hon. Friend may be assured that I shall do my best to ensure a fair share of timber for furniture production, having regard to other essential requirements. A considerable increase was in fact made in the allocation for the current period.
§ 114. Flight-Lieutenant Haireasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that unemployment is being threatened and orders refused in the High Wycombe furniture industry because of the lack of supplies of raw material; and whether he will take steps to improve the position.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am not aware that unemployment in the furniture industry is threatened in the High Wycombe area. Efforts are constantly being made to obtain more materials for the industry and to apportion the supplies so that firms 295W throughout the country can maintain their capacity for employment. I am satisfied that High Wycombe receives its fair share of the raw materials available. Demand for furniture is very much greater than supply and in these circumstances individual manufacturers are frequently unable to accept all the orders sent to them.