§ Sir W. Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that at the present tine there is at least 40 per cent. less wool cloth materials in the shops for home consumption, as compared with two years ago; that, on present allocation, the shortage of wool dress materials by February next will be at least 60 per cent. less than two years ago; and if he will increase the allocation to the manufacturers for the home market.
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§ Mr. BelcherThe supply of wool cloth to the home trade in September, 1947, which is the latest month for which figures are available, was 41 per cent. greater than in September, 1946, and 56 per cent. greater than in September, 1945. While there will be a reduction in the near future compared with the recent past owing to the need to increase exports, the reduction both in total supplies and in dress cloths compared with two years ago will be very slight. The allocations to manufacturers for the home market can be increased only when increased production allows of this after the urgent needs of export have been satisfied.