HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 cc88-9W
Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the method of allocation of tinplate in the food canning industry.

Major Lloyd George

Tinplate for food canning is allocated to can fabricators on behalf of my Department by the Administrator of Tinplate Distribution. Food canners receive supplies from the fabricators on the basis of their pre-war usage, after their priority requirements for Services contracts, dollar exports and milk and fish cans have been met; but there is also provision for supplies to new canners and for additional supplies where necessary to established canners.

Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of tinplate for food canning purposes will be available in 1952: and what quantities were used or available for use for this purpose in each year between 1945 and 1951.

Major Lloyd George

The tonnage for 1952 is not yet known. The tonnages used in the years 1945 to 1951 for canning thermally-processed foods were as follows:—

1945 … … … … 112,000
1946 … … … … 115,000
1947 … … … … 127,000
1948 … … … … 131,000
1949 … … … … 151,000
1950 … … … … 140,000
1951 … … … … 136,000