HC Deb 28 April 1947 vol 436 cc1510-1
16. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Supply if he will issue a statement showing the stocks of cotton, wool, rubber, tin, zinc, lead and timber, both in weight and value, on 1st January, 1947, as compared with 1st January, 1946.

Mr. Wilmot

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Gammans

Would not the Minister agree that in so far as there is reduction in these stocks that really falsifies the export figures which were issued for last year's trade; and will he say whether the Government are satisfied with the stocks of those raw materials which are under the right hon. Gentleman's control?

Mr. Wilmot

I think I had better have that on the Paper before answering. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of the Question?

Mr. Gammans

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman can say if he is satisfied with the stocks in hand now?

Following is the answer;

Stock figures, by weight, for tin, zinc and lead are published in the Monthly Digest of Statistics, to which I would refer the hon. Member. United Kingdom delivered prices at the dates mentioned are:

PER TON.
Tin. Virgin Zinc. Refined Lead.
£ s. d. £ s. d. £
1st January, 1946. 300 0 0 31 5 0 30
1st January, 1947. 380 10 0 70 0 0 70

The other raw materials to which the hon. Member refers are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

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