112. Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-Brownasked the Minister of Supply why the manufacture and allocation of steel files for use in agricultural areas has been reduced; and when the United Manufacturing Co. (Bury), Limited, who have only received 538 dozen in the past 28 months, as against an annual allocation of 500 dozen during the war, may expect to be allowed to make good the deficit.
§ Mr. J. JonesThe demand for these tools at present exceeds the quantities available. Home supplies have been augmented by importation and we have authorised further imports for this year. Everything possible is done to ensure that supplies are distributed to agricultural and other areas where they are most 133W needed, but I cannot promise that the requirements of individual distributors will be fully met.