asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the short time and unemployment in the Scottish hosiery and wool trade, as a result of the present method of wool rationing; and whether he is now in a position to make such alterations as will enable the factories of Clackmannanshire and other Scottish areas to utilise the plant and labour available?

The latest official figures available, which relate to March, show that short time and unemployment in the Scottish hosiery, and wool and worsted trades were appreciably less than immediately before the war. The rationing scheme at present in force for wool is intended to ensure that the supplies of wool for civilian manufacture are distributed as equitably as possible among wool users, subject to the needs of the export trade. Any modification in the interests of a particular class of user could only be effected at the expense of other users.

Is the Minister aware that there is some feeling in Scotland that the wool control, being centred at Bradford, rather favours certain manufacturers in that district at the expense of Scottish manufacturers?

Not a bit of it.

It may be a misapprehension, but I think it will be desirable for the Minister of Supply to make it clear that the thing is fairly conducted.

There is certainly no ground for any such belief. It is the endeavour of the wool controller, as of all other controllers, to see that essential raw materials are distributed equitably.

Can the Minister explain why the wool control was moved from London, the historic centre of the wool trade?

Is the Minister aware that the wool control is not located in Bradford, but 13 miles away, and that that is our complaint?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider the necessity of increasing the control prices for wool having regard to the exceptional winter, the scarcity of feeding-stuffs, and the increased cost of labour; and whether an early announcement of the increase can be made in view of early sales and seasonal arrangements, shearing, etc.?

The price to be paid for the 1940 clip is now under consideration, and an announcement will be made at as early a date as possible.

Can the Minister say how soon the announcement will be made?

I have been asked by the National Farmers' Union to see that the price should be communicated by 1st June, and I will do everything to implement that.

Can the Minister say what method is being adopted to arrive at this particular price?

Hardly in answer to a Supplementary Question.