HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 c1584
39. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will prevent any more of the Cumberland lead pencils known as the "King's Own C.B.," because they are so brittle that no one can sharpen them, either with a knife or with a pencil sharpener?

Mr. Dalton

I think that the pencil which my hon. Friend has in mind is known as "King's Own 3B." I agree with him that this type of pencil is not suitable for ordinary purposes. Since 30th June last manufacturers have not been allowed to supply it, and I understand that since that date none has been manufactured.

Mr. Thorne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this pencil is an absolute fraud?

Mr. Dalton

I am told that it is used by artists; but I agree that it is not suitable for general purposes. That is why I have discontinued the production.

Mr. Thorne

If you go into the Library and put one of these pencils into a pencil sharpener, you will find that it is too brittle to sharpen at all.

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