HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 cc400-1
92. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether, in view of the continued shortage of batteries for electric torches and the urgent need of pedestrians, he will take steps to secure an adequate supply of such batteries; and whether it is possible to arrange for the production of a standard type of pedestrians' torch and battery which can be supplied in large numbers at a reasonable price?

Major Lloyd George

With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) last Thursday. With regard to the second part, I am informed that the production of torches and batteries in this country is, at present, concentrated on a few standard sizes and that plant for the manufacture of batteries for small torches has been increased since the outbreak of war. Batteries and torches of all sizes have been included in the first Order made under the Prices of Goods Act, and it is now open to members of the public to ask their Local Price Regulation Committee to investigate any increases of price which appear to them to be unreasonable.

Mr. Harvey

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is still a very grave shortage in some districts, and that this causes added danger to life?

Major Lloyd George

I am fully aware that in certain districts there is a serious shortage. This shortage is due partly to the movement of population which has brought a much greater number of people to some districts. A second reason for the shortage is that the demand is wholly without precedent in this country. In the first six weeks of the war, more batteries were bought than during the whole of the last war. The supply is now very much better than it was and the output is much greater than it was, and new plant is being erected. I feel certain that before very long we shall be in a very much better position to meet the unprecedented demand.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there was no black-out during the last war?