Mr. Vaneasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he takes to ensure that the supply of rayon yarn available in this country is first used to enable existing rayon looms to achieve the full production of which they are capable before authority is given for the export of such yarn.
Mr. H. WilsonExports of staple fibre and of continuous filament rayon yarn are being restricted by agreement between the producers and the Board of Trade. The quantities permitted to be exported are settled in consultation with the interests concerned in the light of pro-92W duction prospects, but it is necessary to take account not only of the needs of weavers and other users in this country, but also of our responsibilities to the industries of the Commonwealth which depend on the United Kingdom for supplies, of our commitments to other countries in return for which we receive supplies of scarce materials, and of the need to maintain so far as possible a footing in markets where long-term prospects for our trade exist. Exports of spun rayon yarn are relatively small, and I am considering what action it may be necessary to take in respect of them.