§ Mr. Linsteadasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of white pigments containing titanium, zinc, lead and antimony; and what steps he is taking to improve supplies.
Mr. H. WilsonI am aware that the production of titanium oxide and zinc oxide has fallen owing to the shortages of sulphuric acid and zinc respectively. The supply of these white pigments must remain difficult until our imports of zinc and sulphur improve, and we are continuing our efforts to obtain additional supplies of these materials. The shortage of white lead and antimony oxide is not so serious and results from increased pressure on supplies following the shortage of the other pigments, but steps are being taken to increase production.