§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of the production of gas mantles since January, 1946; whether he will give an assurance that, by the autumn, supply will have overtaken demand; and whether he will ensure that urgent consideration is given to the needs of the people of Mir-field, Yorkshire, many of whom are now compelled to use paraffin lamps and candles owing to their inability to purchase gas mantles.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe number of gas mantles produced this year in thousands of gross is: January, 7.9; February, 6.7; March, 9.9; April, 9.6; May (latest available figures), 9.9. I cannot promise that270W supplies will overtake demand by next winter, but the average output in the three months March to May was some 35 per cent. above the monthly average last year. I am not aware that the position at Mirfield is relatively worse than elsewhere but I will gladly consider any information my hon. and gallant Friend can give me.