§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many fathoms of rope the Air Ministry use in a year; where they purchase their supplies; and, if these supplies are not purchased from the ropery in Devonport dockyard, will he take steps to see that this is done in future, in order to encourage national enterprise and to provide work in a town which is dependent for its existence upon the policy of the Government?
§ Mr. LEACHThe answer to the first part of the question is, at present, approximately 65,000 fathoms a year, but considerable war stocks of rope are still held and the new supplies required are comparatively small. As regards the second and third parts, new supples are obtained by requisition on the Admiralty, and it would be for that Department to consider the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member.