9. Mr. Leeasked the President of the Board of Trade what countries form the basis of our nickel supplies; whether he is satisfied that we are able to obtain sufficient supplies for current demands how far we are able to place supplies to stock; and what efforts are being made to obtain alternative sources of supply.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftBy far the greater part of our supplies come from Canada. There is a world shortage of nickel. Some manufacturers are getting less than they could use, and are unable to build up stocks. Manufacturers are buying increasing quantities of nickel from other sources, mainly from New Caledonia, but the amounts obtainable are comparatively small.