asked the President of the Board of Trade why hosiery needles are still being imported, when home producers have idle machinery and can supply all requirements.

Owing mainly to shortage of suitable labour, home production of hosiery needles is insufficient to meet all requirements. I am trying to get the existing capacity manned up.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the meantime hosiery needles are being imported to a larger extent than is really necessary?

I am aware that a large number are imported, but the number, I think, is not in excess of what is required.