§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, in consequence of restrictions and the difficulty of transport, the copper trade of South Wales has been interfered with; that the Cape Copper Smelting Company are at present reduced to less than half their capacity, and are in danger of being completely closed down for the want of copper ore being conveyed from Port Nolloth; and if better facilities will be given for the transport of raw material so that the industry can be maintained and the number of unemployed be considerably reduced?
§ Colonel LESLIE WILSONI have been asked to answer this question. The policy of the Ministry of Shipping since the Armistice has been directed to increasing, as far as possible, the shipping space available for the importation of raw materials, and I am not aware of any obstacle having been placed in the way of this firm obtaining tonnage in the market.