asked the Minister of Supply what is the present position with regard to the manufacture of rabbit netting and what the chances are of the supply being increased in the near future.

Home production of this wire has been running at about 5,000 tons a quarter, but has been reduced in recent weeks owing to fuel difficulties. It is, however, hoped to import 2,000 tons from Belgium this quarter. As regards the future, any increase in home production will depend upon the general availability of steel supplies, particularly of wire rod. We shall continue to make efforts to expand production and to secure additional imports from Belgium.