§ 71. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of carpets, linoleum, matting and floor coverings of all descriptions; and, in view of the recent floods which have aggravated the situation, if he will take further steps to increase production.
§ Mr. BelcherThe present shortage of floor coverings is due to short supplies el certain critical materials required in manufacture, such as linseed oil and grey felt paper for linoleum and felt base floor covering, and wool and cotton yarns for carpets and rugs. The greatest efforts are made to obtain improved supplies of these raw materials; but I cannot hold out any great hope of a substantial increase in the supplies of floor coverings in the immediate future.