§ 85. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action has been taken or is intended so that raw materials and other resources are allocated and used in the manufacture of what is in the national interest and in order of a priority.
§ Mr. J. Edwards:Controls over a large number of materials are already in force, e.g., softwood, sheet steel, tinplate, zinc, copper, sulphur and sulphuric acid, to mention a few. Acquisition by consumers is closely controlled, and in some cases inessential end uses are prohibited by order. Steps have been taken, and continue to be taken, over a wide range of other materials to maintain supplies and control consumption. A large number of satisfactory arrangements have been made with industry so that materials are used for the most desirable purposes, but if it becomes necessary more formal controls will be introduced. The Government have, however, been giving further consideration to the whole question of scarce materials and a statement will be made soon.