§ 102. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether he is aware that the manufacture of superphosphate is hindered by the fact that the Ministry of Munitions exercise a monopoly in the necessary acids; and whether he will, in view of the need of stimulating the production of food, make arrangements with the Ministry of Munitions so that the manufacturers of artificial manures can at once deal with the accumulations of raw materials which they have on hand?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been requested to reply to this question. I am aware that in Great Britain, as in other belligerent countries, the production of superphosphate has been reduced in consequence of a proportion of the sulphuric acid used for this purpose having been diverted to the manufacture of explosives. I can assure my Noble Friend that every effort is being made by the Ministry to release the largest possible quantities of acid for the manufacture of artificial manures, but it is regretted that no hope can he held out of substantially increased supplies being availiable for this purpose for some time to come