§ 63. Brigadier Petoasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the stocks of Thermos flasks held by retailers are now considerable; that very few permits are issued for their purchase; and if he will now make some relaxation in their control.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Belcher)No, Sir; I am not aware that any considerable stocks of Thermos flasks are at present held by retailers. Vacuum flasks are now being supplied under the permit scheme at the rate of about 500,000 flasks a year, and I hope shortly to be able to expand it to meet the increased demand from priority users. I cannot, however, see my way to drop this scheme or to increase permit-free supplies on the home market since vacuum flasks form a very valuable export, and I am asking the manufacturers to send as many as possible abroad.
§ Brigadier PetoWill the Parliamentary Secretary consider increasing the allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries before January and February, so that they may have an increased allocation of permits during those two very cold months?
§ Mr. BelcherI am quite prepared to look into the possibility of meeting genuine needs of that kind.
Mr. VaneDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that half a million a year is far below the demand, and that it will take 80 years at least at that rate to satisfy the country, reckoning one flask per head?
§ 69. Mr. Percy Wellsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for a supply of Thermos flask interiors to be available, for purchase without permit, and so save labour and material.
§ Mr. BelcherYes, Sir; small supplies of glass inners for Thermos flasks are made available from time to time for sale free of permit.