§ Major Elwyn Jonesasked the Minister of Food what are the causes of the present shortage of salt, particularly in the West Ham area; and what are the prospects of improvement of supplies.
§ Sir B. SmithThe present shortage of salt has been caused by increased usage for all food purposes and heavy demands from the Services. So far as West Ham is concerned the great increase in the population of the area during recent months has aggravated the situation. Services' demands have now decreased considerably, while steps have been taken recently which have resulted in an improvement in the London area. There is good reason to hope that supplies will be more freely available shortly.