HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 c102W
94. Major Gates

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that makers of shirts, overalls and pyjamas report that a great shortage of utility and non-utility cloths has developed within the past few weeks; and whether he will take steps to see that further supplies of suitable cloths, particularly among those which have been reserved for export but have remained unsold, are released in order that short-time working, unemployment, and a famine in essential garments may be avoided.

Mr. Bottomley

I am aware that home supplies of most kinds of cotton cloth are short but the needs of the export drive must take precedence over the home market.