§ Mr. Grovesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owing to the shortage of flints for use with gas stoves huge quantities of matches are consumed; and whether he will consider arrangements whereby the gas companies can be supplied with flints?
§ Mr. DaltonThe home production of flints of this kind is being increased, and larger quantities are being imported from Canada and the U.S.A. I have arranged for nearly four times as many of these flints to be distributed through the normal channels (which include the gas companies) during the second six months of this year as were available during the first six months. I shall continue to watch the position.