§ Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what, approximately, is the shortage to date in deliveries of utility goods in earthenware for Government contracts; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. HicksIn view of the great variety and volume of the goods involved, it is impossible to give any estimate of the existing shortage without undue expenditure of time and labour. Production has, however, within recent months been insufficient to meet current requirements and negotiations have taken place with the manufacturers association, which have resulted in a gradual improvement in deliveries.