49. Mrs. Eirene Whitasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that there is severe unemployment in the rayon industry; that for some articles it is possible to substitute rayon or rayon mixture for cotton, thus effecting a considerable saving in dollars; that the substitution of rayon staple for cotton would not have an adverse effect on the spinning and weaving sections of the textile industry; and if, in the light of these considerations, he will take immediate steps to see that specifications for textile goods ordered by his Department are reviewed with the intention of substituting rayon wherever possible.
Mr. WardMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply explained in his answer to the hon. Member on 19th May the 53W action his Department was taking to help increase the amount of rayon used by the Services. The Air Ministry is co-operating fully with the Ministry of Supply. Some clothing made from material embodying rayon is already issued to the Women's Royal Air Force, and other clothing and equipment of this kind is being tried out.