§ Colonel M'CALMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that only a few large firms with big reserves are now able to sell sporting cartridges; and whether he will approach the Ministry of Munitions with a view to such a restricted release of the materials for the manufacture of shot as will enable farmers to purchase cartridges locally for the protection of their crops?
§ Sir WORTHINGTON EVANSI have been asked to answer this question. I am advised that there is sufficient sporting ammunition in stock in the country to meet requirements for a considerable time, and it is proposed to review the situation in a few months' time. It is, no doubt, the fact that, owing to the shortage of lead, only such firms as have sufficient reserves of shot are at present in a position to supply ammunition of this type.