§ 24. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he is taking to arrange to obtain larger supplies of strategic raw materials from Burma, bearing in mind that many of the materials found in that country and previously worked by British capital, are very scarce.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Stokes)The Government of Burma are well aware, through the representations which we have made from time to time, of the importance we attach to increased supplies of the materials which are produced in that country. The producing companies themselves are also aware of our views, but they are faced with many difficulties in getting necessary supplies to the mines, and in moving their output to the coast.
§ Mr. W. FletcherIn view of the fact that wolfram, which is very badly needed, can be obtained in considerable quantities in Burma, and that the loan which this country made to Burma was exactly with the object of getting its economy moving in this important direction, will the Minister take the opportunity of putting this question before the Burma Government again, urging earlier action?
§ Mr. StokesI am very much aware that valuable metal can come from Burma. I would assure the hon. Gentleman that I am doing all I can to get things on the move again.