BRITISH DEMAND FOR WOOL

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28748, 20 November 1958, Page 3

BRITISH DEMAND FOR WOOL

Slight Increase In Recent Months (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. November 19. Wool consumption in Britain— Britain is the largest user of wool—has shown a slight increase. This is the brightest news to be offered today to textile producing countries, says the New Zealand Wool Board. But the British rate of wool consumption is still 7 per cent, lower than a year ago. However, its consumption recovery on the broad analysis for the latest statistical period available is more promising than most sectional analyses this year. The board’s Bradford correspondent says it might be over optimistic to. suggest this means an upsurge of new business for wool—but it certainly indicates that firm orders for manufactured woollen goods are being accepted for delivery more freely than of late. Another cause for encouragement is the decline in the use of man-made fibres. Compared with the drop in consumption of wool of about 10 per cent., in the July-September quarter as against last year, the use of manmade fibres dropped 49 per cent, in the worsted and 30 per cent, in the woollen goods trade. This is considered an indication that recent more attractive wool prices have gained ground previously conceded to other fibres.