HC Deb 19 March 1951 vol 485 cc239-40W
120. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the arrangements which have now been made for the supply of copper and zinc to industry will be sufficient to enable the skilled trades and craftsmanship in the silverware and electroplated-nickel-silverware industries to be maintained as an asset to this country.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

In general, I am satisfied with the arrangements made by my Department for the distribution of copper and zinc to the semi-fabricators and by them to their customers, but I have these arrangements under constant review. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that he is watching the effects of the recent Copper and Zinc (Prohibited Uses) Order on the silverware and electro-plate industry. The provisions made for licensing for export and other purposes should benefit the electro-plate industry, but the full effects of these provisions are not yet known.