Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Munitions whether his Department have commandeered all available supplies of spelter; whether he is aware that in Middlesbrough, for instance, the local authority has declared its inability to effect necessary sanitary repairs as it cannot get the necessary spelter; and whether consideration will be given to the possibility of allowing supplies for this necessary work?
§ Sir W. EVANSThe supplies of spelter in the country have not been commandeered, but they are under the strict control of the Ministry of Munitions. Licences to purchase spelter for necessary sanitary repairs can be obtained on application to the Ministry. No complaints have been received from any local authority with regard to the difficulty in obtaining supplies of spelter for these purposes.