HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 c42W
41. Mr. J. L. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of gas mantles in the city of Glasgow; and if he will take steps to remedy this defect.

Sir S. Cripps

There is still a great shortage of gas mantles in the country as a whole, mainly because of the shortage of labour for making both mantles and ceramic rings. With the cooperation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, we are taking steps to strengthen the labour force in both sections of the industry. Production of gas mantles in this country has recently improved, and I expect the improvement to continue. For a time, however, I am afraid that there may still be considerable inconvenience to gas users although we are also trying to reduce the deficit in supplies by importing both mantles and rings.