HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 c344
17. Mr. Arthur Duckworth

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cycle-lamp batteries are at present unobtainable in the West-Midland district; and whether he can state what steps are being taken to meet essential civilian needs?

Mr. Dalton

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) on Tuesday last. Following recent complaints of shortages, I have arranged with the manufacturers for increased supplies to be sent to many parts of the country, including a number of places in the West Midlands.

Mr. Higgs

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 8th December he promised substantially increased supplies of these batteries? We are still without them in Birmingham. Are we to get any batteries before the light nights come?

Mr. Dalton

I think that if my hon. Friend will look at the answer I gave last week, he will see that we are pressing the matter very vigorously.

Mr. Higgs

That repeats the reply the Minister gave on 8th December, yet we have not any batteries in our district.