Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Minister of Supply what arrangements are being made to supply copper and spelter to manufacturers using such materials in cases where their existing stocks, plus outstanding purchases, plus any new tonnage applied for, exceed six months' consumption at the average monthly rate in September and October, 1946, in view of the fact that manufacturers have been informed by the Non-Ferrous Metals Control that they will be restricted to a six months' supply of these materials and that this will prevent the acceptance of contracts for forward delivery.
§ Mr. WilmotFollowing discussions with representatives of the copper and zinc using industries, the total tonnage of unwrought copper which a firm may hold has now been increased to the equivalent of seven months' consumption The Ministry's purchase arrangements will not permit a similar increase in the case of zinc. Firms whose holdings of metal are in excess of these permitted quantities have been informed that they may resume taking orders.