§ 35. Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Minister of Munitions whether any steps are being taken to secure an adequate supply of spelter for this country and the Allies, and to bring about a reduction in the prices that have been recently ruling; and if, in order to secure this, it is the intention of the Government to make arrangements for treating the important quantities of Australian zinc concentrates which have accumulated and are being produced, a portion of which, owing to insufficient smelting capacity in this country, are now being shipped to the United States on the approximate basis of £30 per ton for spelter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI recognise the urgent importance of the matter referred to in my hon. Friend's question. I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green on the 24th June. I do not think that at present I can usefully add to that reply, except to assure my hon. Friend that all the various 1451 factors affecting the supply and use of spelter are being carefully examined in the Ministry of Munitions, and all necessary steps will be taken in the matter.