Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Supply why under S.R. & o. 1944, No. 404, he prohibited the retail sale of 660W typewriter oil in any container smaller than a one gallon tin when the normal container is an ounce or two-ounce bottle; and whether this has had the effect of increasing the consumption of the oil or reducing the number of the containers, or both.
§ Mr. PeatThe prohibition on the sale of light lubricating oils in pre-packed small containers was made to relieve the strain on the metal container and small bottle industries, which even now are unable to meet the full demands for essential packing of medicines and food preparations. The restriction has enabled many millions of metal containers and bottles to be diverted to more essential uses, and should not have appreciably increased the consumption of lubricating oils. It will be removed as soon as the situation permits.