HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc45-6W
Mr. Martin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to increase the supply of umbrellas to the public.

Sir S. Cripps

Production increased by over 34 per cent. between the first and third quarters of this year. The rate of increase would have been more rapid but for the shortage of cloth. Steps have already been taken to provide more cloth for umbrellas, both from home sources and by import, with the result that there should be a further sharp increase in the fourth quarter of this year.

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