HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc46-7W
Mr. Silkin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether, in addition to appealing to housewives for aluminium utensils, he will requisition aluminium stocks in the hands of wholesale and retail dealers?

Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether it is proposed to take steps to acquire immediately stocks of aluminium now in shops and warehouses?

Lieut.-Commander Tufnell

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he proposes to stop the sale of aluminium goods to the public, in view of the need for this metal in the aircraft factories, and to pay for the articles thus acquired in the shops at their ordinary wholesale rates?

Colonel Llewellin

My Noble Friend the Minister of Aircraft Production will, if necessary, requisition stocks of aluminium goods in the shops. Meanwhile, his appeal for gifts is addressed to every section of the community. He will be glad to receive rolled aluminium from any source. But it should be understood that since the early days of the war no virgin aluminium has been issued for the manufacture of household utensils. The great bulk of rolled aluminium in manufactured form is, therefore, in the possession of the housewives, to whom, more specifically, the appeal was addressed.

Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the urgent appeal by the Minister of Aircraft Production for supplies of aluminium, he will prohibit the manufacture of articles containing aluminium for domestic purposes; and whether he will acquire at a valuation the aluminium stocks of wholesale and retail stores?

Colonel Llewellin

I have been asked to reply. In regard to the first part of the Question no virgin aluminium has been issued for the manufacture of household utensils since the early days of the war. The answer to the second part of the Question is that my Noble Friend the Minister of Aircraft Production will, if necessary, requisition stocks of aluminium goods in wholesale or retail stores.