§ Mr. Haleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Commonwealth of Australia is suffering from an acute shortage of tinplate which prevents the canning of many vital Australian products whilst, at the same time, cigarettes, chocolates and butterscotch are being exported from England to Australia in elaborate tins; and whether he will see that tinplate is made available for the canning of essential foodstuffs.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI am aware of the shortage of tinplate in Australia and the maximum possible supplies are being sent 207W from this country. The quantities of tinplate which would be suitable for canning food but are in fact used for exports of cigarettes, chocolates and butter-scotch to Australia are negligible.