PRODUCTION OF BATTLEDRESS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23915, 6 April 1943, Page 4

PRODUCTION OF BATTLEDRESS

REDUCTIONS ANNOUNCED BY MINISTER DIVERSION TO ESSENTIAL CIVIL WEAVES Reductions in woollen battledress production and in the quantities of woollen cloth from which they are made, with the diversion of mill production to blankets and other essential civil weaves, were announced by the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) yesterday, in reply to an inquiry about advice given to clothing manufacturers on future production of battledress and service greatcoats. “Redistribution of manpower has necessitated the recasting of requirements of worsted and woollen battledress and greatcoats,” said Mr Sullivan. “As a consequence, it has been found possible to ease the considerable burden placed upon the clothing factories in the manufacture of this type of clothing. At the beginning of 1942, all factories were asked to increase their production to meet the quickly expanded needs of the Army, including the Home Guard. The response to this call was made most willingly, but only at a considerable cost of effort and at some sacrifice of the needs of the civilian population. “To meet the new position the Factory Controller will as from April 3 effect gradual reductions, to the point where production falls into line with the amended forecast requirements, and in this process the woollen battledress, as distinct from the worsted, will cease to be made. A reduction will also be effected in the quantities of the woollen cloth from which these garments are made, and the equivalent production in the woollen mills is to be diverted to the making of much needed blankets and other essential civil weaves.”