§ 75. Captain BARNETTasked the Minister of Munitions whether there is a shortage of wire rods in this country and that in consequence wire-drawing mills have a large proportion of their plant idle, while manufactured wire products are being imported from abroad; and, if so, whether, in view of the great demand for all typos of war material manufactured from wire, he will endeavour to arrange with the Ministry of Shipping for immediate shipping facilities to be granted in respect of the large quantities of wire rods intended for Great Britain which have been congesting the docks in United States ports for months past?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is a temporary shortage of wire rods, but it is not a fact that a large proportion of wire-drawing plant is idle in consequence, and the increased output of British rods should fully employ all wire-drawing plant in the near future. Priority for shipping wire rods from America cannot be asked for at present in view of more urgent requirements.
§ Colonel GRETTONHas the Minister of Munitions consulted the trade as to what is required?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will make inquiry.