§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Undersecretary of State for War to what extent acetone, as an indispensable factor in the production of cordite, is being manufactured by the Government; and at what date it is expected that its manufacture will commence at the new Government factory in the Forest of Dean?
§ Colonel SEELYThe hon. Member is doubtless alluding to the wood distillation works in Dean Forest. I am informed that these works are to be completed towards the end of this year, and that the manufacture of grey acetate of lime, from which acetone is made, will then be commenced.
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§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the price of acetone for the manufacture of cordite has risen over 100 per cent, during the last twelve months; what proportion of the Government supply has during that period been obtained from Germany; and what proportion has been manufactured in the United Kingdom?
§ Colonel SEELYThe price of acetone fluctuates considerably. The highest level of recent years was reached about five years ago. It then dropped, and during the past year has again been moving up. A recent purchase by the War Office showed an increase of price of about 28 per cent., as compared with prices a year ago. About 47 per cent, of the acetone bought by the War Office during the last twelve months was made in the United Kingdom; of the balance the bulk has been obtained from Canada, and none from Germany.