§ 20. Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the Minister of Works what steps he proposes to take to prevent the horticultural industry in the future from bearing a disproportionate share of the decline in glass production caused by the cut in fuel to the glass manufacturers.
§ 23. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that, as a result of the cut in supplies of fuel, horticultural glass production has been reduced so that one of the largest industrial users of glass has had its quota cut by 36 per cent.; if he is aware of the serious effect this will have upon horticultural production in the coming year; and what steps he is taking to restore the position.
§ Mr. TomlinsonFor technical and other reasons it is not possible to operate fuel economies uniformly throughout glass production. The production of horticultural glass has not been reduced by more than 10 per cent. and this is not, I think, disproportionate. The main loss of output at present is due to the temporary closure of a unit for repairs which, I understand, will be in production again in a week or so.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf I send the right hon. Gentleman details about one of the largest firms of horticulturists, who have had a 36 per cent. cut, will he pay particular attention to it?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI will look into it.