§ 90. Wing Commander Bullusasked the Minister of Supply if he will release sufficient copper to British chemical-making firms to meet the needs of Ceylon and India in their efforts to save Empire tea crops from blister blight.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussNormally the copper used for this purpose is obtained from scrap, the distribution of which is not controlled by my Department. I have not received any requests from chemical firms for virgin copper, but I should be unwilling to encourage its use for purposes for which it has not formerly been employed.
§ 92. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Supply if he is prepared to sponsor a search for copper in the Leek area of North Staffordshire; and if he will give consideration to the possibility of re-opening the Ecton mine and other mines in view of our copper shortages.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI should be prepared to examine sympathetically any scheme for the re-opening of copper mines in this country, but in view of the discouraging terms of the report of the Mineral Development Committee, I should not be justified in offering direct Government financial assistance.