§ 81. Mr. Gammansasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the present shortage of darning wool, particularly in men's colours of blue and grey; and what steps he is taking to alleviate the position.
§ Mr. BelcherI am aware of a shortage of darning wool at the present time but not of a particular shortage of men's colours of blue and grey. In December, 1946, the Board of Trade made arrangements for a considerable increase in the production of darning wool but owing to the coal shortage the increase did not begin to take effect until June. Since that date, production has risen steadily and has well exceeded last year's figures for the corresponding months, but it will take a little time for the full effect of the increased supplies to be felt in the shops. Arrangements have also been made for most of the output of darning wool to be produced in the standard shades for mending purposes, such as blue, grey, black and brown.