asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the acute shortage of serges, suitings and tweeds for men and women; and, if so, if he will state what are the prospects of increased supplies.

I am aware that there is a shortage of woollen and worsted materials for men and women. The shortage is due to the substantial reduction in imports of yarns and piece goods which has obtained since 1941 and which compelled the introduction of clothes rationing in 1942.

There has been some improvement in the supply of imported piece goods this year, but I am not in a position to make any reliable forecast of the prospects of increased supplies in the immediate future.