52. Mr. CHAPMANasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the importance of calcium carbide to our Defence Services and industries, especially in war-time, His Majesty's Government will take steps to ensure the establishment of an industry in the United Kingdom capable of producing the maximum quantity required?
§ Sir T. INSKIPMy hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government have not lost sight of the importance of ensuring supplies of calcium carbide both in peace and war. They would welcome any scheme to promote the manufacture of this material in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. D. EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman use his co-ordinating influence to induce these firms to establish this industry in a distressed area where there is an ample supply of raw materials, including anthracite and limestone, an ample supply of power at reasonable cost and labour?
§ Sir T. INSKIPA very important question in this connection is, what sort of power is available for the purpose in question?