§ 79. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he will in the post-war period consider the continuance of the use of reclaimed carbon rods which have proved satisfactory during the war and thereby release newly manufactured carbon rods for export to the value of some £1,200 per week.
§ Mr. WilmotReclaimed carbon rods are unsuitable for use in automatic battery making machines and are used only by the small number of manufacturers who still employ hand methods. Reclaiming used rods takes more labour than making new ones. It is expected that the production next year of new rods will be sufficient to meet home needs and leave a balance available for export.
§ Colonel ClarkeWere not reclaimed rods used for Air Force purposes during the war, and if they are good enough for Air Force purposes in wartime are they not good enough for civilian purposes afterwards?
§ Mr. WilmotI am advised that they cost more to make than new ones, and that the new ones are more satisfactory.