HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc199-200W
120. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will take steps to improve the supply of candles to shopkeepers in the districts of Kirkdale, Walton and Bootle, Merseyside area, owing to their being unable to supply gas mantles to their customers during the last three weeks.

Mr. Shinwell

I understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that there has been an increase recently in the output of gas mantles and there is no reason to suppose that shopkeepers in the districts mentioned by my hon. Friend have not received their appropriate share of the improved supplies. In the circumstances, I am afraid I cannot arrange to increase the supply of candles in these districts since, owing to the present world shortage of wax, this would inevitably result in supplies to some other district being reduced.