§ 4. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the acute shortage in Aberdeen of knitting wools, especially thick knitting wools (wheelings) suitable for knitting thick stockings and socks for rubber boots for sailors, fishermen and agricultural workers; and if he will take steps to increase the supplies to that city.
§ Mr. H. WilsonKnitting wool generally is in short supply, owing to the lack of labour198W in the wool industry, but I am not aware that supplies are worse in Aberdeen than elsewhere. As regards wheelings, the production of this type of wool has increased substantially since July, and the increase should soon be reflected in the volume of supplies reaching the shops.
Lady Grantasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will increase the supply of wheelings to firms manufacturing thick hose for agricultural workers.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe production of all types of wool yarns is limited by the shortage of spinning labour, which the Government is taking steps to remedy. I understand that supplies of yarn to manufacturers of hose for agricultural workers are not unduly difficult; but if the hon. Member knows of any case in which a firm does not consider it is receiving a fair share of the available wheelings, I will look into it.