§ 87. Mr. McGovernasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that almost every clothing manufacturers' wholesale and retail houses that supply ladies' coats, costumes and dresses is stocked out so that if no further production took place for the next twelve months the present rate of purchases could be maintained; that thousands of girls will be dispensed with; whether coupon rates are going to be seriously reduced; or what is intended to meet this situation.
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Any stocks of women's outerwear in the hands of manufacturers or distributors do not represent more than a couple of months' sales, and we do not propose to reduce the coupon values of these garments. The Board of Trade is assisting the trade to export surplus garments, and, as regards future production, is taking steps to redress the balance between cloths for men's and women's wear.