§ Mr. Carsonasked the Minister of Supply and.of Aircraft Production 304W whether he is aware that there is at present a severe shortage of lead, which is holding up building operations; and whether he will take steps to deal with this matter.
§ Mr. Leonard:There is at present a severe world shortage of lead, of which there will not be enough to meet all requirements in 1946, but, so far as I am aware, building operations are not being held up through this shortage. Arrangements to ensure that the available supplies are allocated to the best advantage are at present under consideration and will take into account both the relative importance of the various uses and the possibility of using alternative materials.