HC Deb 15 March 1967 vol 743 c112W
92. Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will authorise the forward buying of Lancashire-produced cotton goods for the Services, in order to assist the textile industry in its present difficulties.

Mr. Mason

The difficulties of the Lancashire textile industry are appreciated and the assistance which might possibly be given to the industry by the forward buying of Lancashire produced cotton goods for the Services is currently under consideration.

Service requirements of cotton materials for which contracts are placed by the Ministry of Defence are diminishing, however, and any advanced purchasing is unlikely to have any great effect on the situation.

Mr. Mapp

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the approximate cost per annum of cotton textile materials purchased by his Department; and what proportion of the total is in respect of home-produced materials.

Mr. Reynolds

The cost in 1966 was about £2 million of which 90 per cent. was for home-produced materials.