HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 cc220-1
26. Mr. Wakefield

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the production of a four-gallon standardised receptacle, in view of the shortage of galvanized buckets, in order that householders may comply with the emergency order which requires every householder to have at least four gallons of water kept handy in a place easy of access, preferably in a porch?

Captain Waterhouse

The capacity available for producing buckets is strictly limited, and it would be uneconomical to divert the capacity to the manufacture of other containers. I understand that the War Office have for disposal a large number of four-gallon petrol cans which are being made available for distribution through local authorities. The Fire Precautions (Residential Buildings) Order, 1942, has only been applied so far in certain areas, and I have been advised that there is no shortage of containers in these areas,

Mr. Wakefield

While I thank the Minister for that answer, can he say where those containers could be obtained by the public?

Captain Waterhouse

I am afraid I shall have to put a note on that in the OFFICIAL REPORT.