Continental Demand For Wool Aids Dominions

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1944, Page 2

Continental Demand For Wool Aids Dominions

(Spec.) BRADFORD. Nov. 29. The previously reported arrival in Bradford of official French and Belgian delegations to negotiate -wool purchases for their respective countries, is regarded by the trade here as one of the most important wool trade developments during the war. The precise details of their requirements are kept secret as they trade on a Government basis, but commercial circles, usually well-informed, believe that the wool tonnage involved will be substantial. Chief significance to the wool world lies not only in the immediate demand. but in the fact, that the Continental door will re-open. Before the war France and Belgium were second only to Britain among the wool consuming nations of Europe, and it. is chiefly because they were over-run by Germany that Dominion wool supplies have accumulated.

The news that the wool machinery of these countries is in a workable condition is warmly welcomed here, and is also good news for the woolgrowing Dominions. It means that the rate of liquidating of accumulated wool will be more rapid than could have been possible had this machinery been destroyed.

Provide for Own Needs From the viewpoint of manufacturing countries, it means that mills which expected that a large part of their output would be needed to provide for these liberated countries, will now be able to divert their production to other essential directions, knowing that France and Belgium can satisfy most of their own requirements if given raw material. In the long-term interests of wool, this is a very desirable development, as it will tend to obviate restricted production and ensure that wool goods are available and widely spread at the earliest possible moment. In the days when wool must begin to pay increased regard to competing fibres, this is no small matter. Continental delegations confirm the Bradford trade belief that French and Belgian people have , been so long restricted to synthetic fibre clothing that they are more than i ever anxious for wool. Before leaving France, the leader of ihe French delegation (M. Dubrulle) received a deputation of French textile workers, whose message to Britain was: “For goodness sake send us wool."

There is every reason to believe that this demand will soon be satisfied. Meanwhile. the news that these areas on the Continent may be largely independent of British wool textile production Ims revived trade suggestions that Britain's home clothing ration should he increased from its present modest love!.