§ 62. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, why the London Metal Exchange was allowed to reopen on 5th August last for dealings in copper with insufficient privately-bought copper in the pipe line between producers and the London market.
Mr. AmoryThe hon. Member seems to be under a misapprehension. The Ministry of Materials bought copper at overseas points of delivery until 4th of August and the copper in the pipe line therefore belonged to the Ministry. In consultation with the trade, releases from Government stocks were made to cover the period until supplies from the chief Commonwealth producers could reach this country. Consumers are still able to meet urgent requirements through the Government Broker on the London Metal Exchange.