§ 68. Mr. Randallasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the cancellation of textile orders to Canada owing to British cottons being dearer than Canadian; that Canadian importers are seeking larger imports from the U.S.A. and Japan; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo. I am aware that Canadian firms have in many cases considered the prices quoted by our exporters to be high, but I am not aware that orders once booked have been cancelled. I am in constant touch with the Cotton Board and representatives of the industry on this matter and I am satisfied that every effort is being made to meet Canada's needs.
§ 72. Mr. Prescottasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of the textile export drive; and as to sales resistance experienced in various countries.
§ Mr. H. WilsonExport of textiles and clothing have increased from a total value of £19.57 million sterling in September last when the export targets were originally announced to an average value of £22.93 million a month in the first quarter of 1948. The present target is190W £37.40 million a month and very considerable further increases will be necessary for its achievement. The diversion of cloth from the home to the export market is inevitably a lengthy process and exports have not yet felt the full benefit of the decision taken last Autumn to transfer supplies.