§ 31. Mr. W. Brownasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is in the Rugby district a shortage of batteries suitable for lamps for bicycles, which is causing difficulties in this district which depends largely upon bicycles for transport; whether this shortage is general; and whether he will take steps to remedy it?
§ Mr. DaltonSteps have been taken which should lead to a substantial and early increase in the total output of batteries, and particularly of cycle lamp batteries, but the requirements of the Services for batteries must continue to have first call on the available production. I have arranged an inquiry into supplies in the Rugby district.
§ Mr. BoothbyCan my right hon. Friend say whether there is any chance of increased production of No. 8 batteries?
§ Mr. DaltonThere is an increased production of No. 8 batteries; I answered that the other day, but the limiting factor in the civilian supply must be, of course, Service requirements.