73. Major Whiteasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of carpenters' and bricklayers' tools in the Canterbury district, particularly saws, planes, squares, spokeshaves, wood chisels, bevels and trowels; that this shortage is making it impossible for retailers to fulfil the requirements of Class B release men sent to them with Ministry of Labour orders for tools; and whether he will take steps to make supplies avail able.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithAll practicable steps are being taken to increase the production of hand tools. Labour shortage is the main difficulty. Discussions are at present being held with representatives of the manufacturers and of the hand tools distributive trade so as to ensure the best possible distribution of available tools to all areas of the country.