§ 76 and 77. Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Supply (1), what was the total production of card clothing and card clothing machinery, respectively, during 1946 and the first few months of 1947 for which figures are available; what approximate amount of this production was for the export trade; and whether he will arrange to increase allocations made to home textile industries;
(2) what is the present basis for the allocation of card clothing to the textile trades; whether this is on the basis of purchases during some previous years or on the requirements of the firm concerned in order to produce yarn; and whether he will obtain advice from the Board of Trade 100W and the textile trades so that allocations may be based on the needs of industry and the export trade.
§ Mr. WilmotCard clothing to the value of £1,382,000 was produced during 1946 and £344,750 during the first three months of 1947. About 60 per cent. was exported. Figures for the production of card clothing machinery are not separately available. The allocation of card clothing is based on an estimate of the amounts needed by the firms concerned to keep their carding machinery in a fit state to produce yarn. The proportion allocated to the home textile industries is kept under constant review, and I am at present examining the distribution arrangements, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade to ensure that essential home needs are met, while at the same time maintaining supplies to overseas countries.