BRITISH CLOTHING STOCKS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25303, 1 October 1947, Page 5

BRITISH CLOTHING STOCKS

SUBSTANTIAL RISE Continuance of the upward trend in wholesale stocks of clothing in Great Britain during July is recorded by Board of Trade Statistics, says the "Financial Times” (London). Wholesale, textile houses renort that a slight decline in sales was accompanied by a further substantial rise in stocks, which at the end of July were up 14 per cent, on a month earlier, recording the highest level since the statistics were commenced in 1942. Sales as a whole were 18 per cent, higher than in July last year. In the women’s wear group the increase was only 7 per cent., the smallest rise in the sales of this group for over a year. For men s and boys’ wear the rise in sales was 26 per cent., but, as for some months past, the increase the ready-made clothing sub-division was rather less at 19 per cent. Stocks at the end of July were 31 per cent, higher than a year ago. In five groups the percentages were substantially ' above this; notably, stocks of mantles, costumes, etc., rose by 71 per cent, and gloves by 85 per cent. The increase in stocks of household piece-goods (41 per cent.) continued the upward trend of recent months.

TIN ALLOCATIONS

LONDON. Sept. 27. The British Ministry of Supply announces additional interim allocations of tin metal for the second half of 1947, including 150 long tons to Australia and 129 tons to New Zealand. The allocations are additional to those announced on July I 8 and 22, and August 21, and make a total I of 296 tons to New Zealand for the period.