§ 1. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Supply what further obstacles remain to the ending of the allocations scheme or rationing of tinplate; and whether he will now make a statement.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)Tinplate supplies are for the time being sufficient to meet the present 2 abnormally low demands. But it is generally expected that in the near future there will be an appreciable increase in the volume of orders, which might quite likely again create a shortage. Until the outlook is clearer, it would I think be wise to defer any decision about the future of the tinplate controls.
§ Mr. NabarroWhile I recognise the need to continue this control in a modified form, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will give an assurance that fully adequate supplies of tinplate will be available this season to meet the urgent demand of the food processors, notably the fruit growers in the Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire, Wisbech, Kent and elsewhere?
§ Mr. SandysThere certainly should be. I have constantly in mind the importance of meeting the needs of the fruit industry.