§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Supply whether he is taking action to increase the output of aluminium, duralumin, and other urgently-required metals; and what steps are being taken to increase the output of extruded sections of aluminium and duralumin and sheets of these metals?
§ Mr. BurginThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
With regard to the second part, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air, who is responsible for the co-ordination of the arrangements for fabrication of light alloy materials, that all possible steps are being taken to increase supplies of such materials to meet Air Ministry and other requirements. My right hon. Friend issued a notice to the Press on the 22nd October regarding a scheme for utilising the national productive capacity for these alloys to the best advantage. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this notice.