asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state for each of the years 1938, 1939, 1945 and 1946 the nature and value of the imports of raw materials and semi-manufactured articles suitable for use in the manufacture of hats and caps wholly or mainly made of felt and suitable for wear by men or boys.
Written Answers. - Imports of Raw Materials.
The principal raw materials and semi-manufactured articles used for the manufacture of the items specified in the question are wool, wool noils and hoods for hats. Imports of wool are recorded under the official import list descriptions as "wool—(a) raw, (b) greasy, (c) washed, scoured or carbonised, and (d) sliped or pulled"; wool noils under the official description "wool waste" (other than in sheets or pads or flock) and hoods for hats are recorded under "apparel parts and accessories, not liable to duty". In none of these cases is it possible to distinguish what proportion of the total imports of the item is suitable or intended for hat and cap manufacture.
Relevant details available from the census of production would divulge information concerning the business of individual firms and accordingly cannot be supplied.