§ 62. Lord Willoughby de Eresbyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give any information as to the number of shirts, ties, sports jackets, flannel trousers and pyjamas which are to be diverted from the home trade during the coming year for the benefit of Servicemen serving overseas.
§ Mr. BelcherI would refer the noble Lord to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) and the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow (Lieut.-Colonel Corbatt) on Tuesday last.
66. Mr. De la Béereasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the inadequate supply of men's shirts, socks and flannel trousers, he will take steps to allocate a greater supply for the home markets, since much that is needed at home is now exported.
§ Mr. BelcherExport licensing was removed from men's non-utility shirts and flannel trousers in April, 1946, as part of the policy of eliminating inessential controls. Exact figures are not available, but the quantity exported probably forms less than five per cent. of total production, and in the circumstances I see no reason for imposing a fresh restriction. As regards men's socks, home trade supplies are adequate to meet the ration, and I am anxious not to interfere with a valuable export trade.