§ Sir J. BARRANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that users of acetylene gas, both public and private, have, owing to the prohibition of the sale 736W of carbide for many months past, been placed in greater difficulties than the users of any other kind of artificial light: whether the dealers in this country have considerable stocks which might be distributed in whole or in part without touching the supplies on which the State depends for munition purposes; and whether the present position as regards stocks is such as to warrant his Department in allowing at any rate a small release to public and private users without any risk to national reserves?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe position of carbide supplies has recently improved, and I am considering the possibility of releasing a certain quantity for purposes (including those of public and private buildings and vehicles) which have not hitherto been permissible. The available stocks do not, however, justify the release of more than a small proportion of the amount concerned for these purposes before the War.