HC Deb 14 December 1937 vol 330 c962
23. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade the latest figures in his possession of stocks of copper held in the public warehouses of the United Kingdom, and recorded by the Metal Exchange, as at the last convenient date; whether, in the event of national emergency arising, His Majesty's Government have available adequate supplies of copper; and can he state, from particulars in his Department, whether the production of copper is at present controlled by foreign interests?

Mr. Stanley

Stocks of copper in public warehouses in the United Kingdom on 4th December were 29,055 tons. The supply position of copper, as of other essential commodities, in relation to a national emergency is under constant review. There is a large production of copper within the Empire in which both British and foreign interests participate.

Mr. Day

Has the Minister any records of the quantity which is in private warehouses?

Mr. Stanley

If the hon. Member means the amount of stock carried by manufacturers, I am afraid that I could not tell him.