§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Works our present national annual production capacity of approved baths, toilet fixtures, gas stoves and electric stoves; and is he making any special efforts to increase this.
§ Mr. LeonardI have been asked to reply. The output of the items referred to during October, the most recent month for which returns are available, was approximately equivalent to the following annual rates: —
Baths 145,000 Toilet fixtures: Lavatory Basins 484,000 W.C. Pans 268,000 Gas Stoves 162,000 Electric Stoves 77,000 Potential capacity is considerably higher, but production is at present restricted by the shortage of labour, particularly in the iron foundries. Every effort is being made to increase supplies.