§ 142. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the increasing seriousness of the position in the canning industry caused by the shortage of tinplate; and what fresh efforts he is making to increase the quantity of tinplate available for the canning of home-grown vegetables and fruit.
147. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the serious situation, affecting consumers, canners and fruit and vegetable producers, that has arisen as the result of the 20 per cent. cut in tinplate allocations for food canning; and whether, in order to avert a breakdown in supply and unemployment in the canning industry and agriculture, he will restore the allocation to the 1949 level.
§ Mr. WebbI have been very concerned about the difficulties facing the canning industry because of the shortage of tinplate. I am glad to say that allocations for food canning in the second and later quarters of the year are likely to be greater than originally planned, though not up to the 1949 level.