asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the scarcity of sewing cottons, especially of the stronger kinds; that this position is felt mostly by the poorer people; and if he will state when an improvement may be expected in the supply position.

I am aware that owing to the general world shortage of suitable cotton yarn, supplies of cotton thread are not sufficient to enable users to obtain their full requirements. Until supplies of these yarns from abroad improve the thread position will continue to be difficult. It is not possible to forecast when such improvement may be expected.