§ 34. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Supply why the stocks of virgin copper had dropped from 307,900 tons in January, 1945, to 122,900 tons in December, 1945; and whether he is taking steps to increase the present low stocks.
§ Mr. WilmotThe stocks of virgin copper at 31st January, 1945, were abnormally high in relation to consumption, which was then declining. The stocks were, at 816 31st December, 1945, adequate for current needs, and we are taking steps to maintain them at about that level.