§ 74. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Food whether taking into account the overall world shortage of vegetable oils and oil seeds, he contemplates allocating an increased supply of linseed oil to paint manufacturers; and whether he is aware that, owing to the present shortage, the demands of the shipping industry both for maintenance of vessels at sea, repairs to them in port, and the coating of new tonnage, cannot be met.
Sir B. Smith: The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." I 94W regret that I cannot provide an increased allocation of linseed oil for paint. As regards the second part of the Question, my information is that, while some complaints have been received about the supply of paint for maintenance at sea, enough is at present available for requirements in port and in ship building yards. I understand that consideration is being given to the desirability of allocating paint between the more urgent uses.