HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 cc1600-1W
Sir T. Moore

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he estimates that sufficient batteries will be available to provide bicycle lamps for Service personnel and also for the general public?

Mr. Dalton

I am glad to say that we have recently secured a considerable increase in production of cycle lamp batteries. Output during January was 24 per cent. greater than in December, and equal to the highest monthly output since the beginning of the war. I expect a further increase this month. The speed at which stocks in the shops can be built up depends largely on the co-operation of the public. I would urge the public to exercise every economy in the use of batteries and not to buy more than they need for current use. The requirements of Service personnel are the responsibility of the Service Departments.