§ 94. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that quantities of tin-plates belonging to merchant firms have been held in stock by order of the Controller of iron and steel productions for fully two years, while new tin-plates are being made in great quantities and issued for use; what is the reason for withholding permits when the tin-plates are required for making utensils for hospitals, canteens, and transports; and whether he will grant permission for the release of all such tin-plates as have been in stock for two years and upwards?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYTin-plates are controlled by the Steel Orders of 4th August and 20th November, 1916, and under these Orders cannot be disposed of unless they are required as a component part of a Government contract or against a Ministry of Munitions permit, reference, and number. Permits are not withheld when the Government Department concerned is satisfied that tin-plates are required for making utensils for hospitals, canteens, and transports. No permits are issued for the release of tin-plates, but permits are issued to the consumers of tin-plates by the Controller of the Priority Department, who has in fact issued permits for a weight so much in excess of the present output of tin-plates that any existing stocks should be readily absorbed.