HC Deb 16 October 1946 vol 427 cc199-200W
88. Mr. Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many people are finding it impossible to bottle fruit for the winter owing to the shortage of preserving jars; and what steps he is taking to improve the supply of these jars.

Mr. Belcher

Yes, Sir. I much regret this shortage. The production of preserving jars has been maintained at about the same level over recent years, and the shortage is due to an increased demand as compared with before the war. I cannot promise an early improvement in the supply as the glass container manufacturers are heavily loaded with other important orders, but jam jars used with special closures are an adequate substitute, and there are sufficient supplies of the closures.