asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to ensure that firms in the silverware and cutlery industries receive the necessary supplies of zinc and copper to fulfil their extensive export orders.

From 1st March next the use of zinc and copper in the manufacture of some articles of silverware, but not of cutlery, will be prohibited. I hope to make an announcement soon about the use of zinc and copper in articles for export. In view of the present shortage of zinc and copper there is little likelihood of manufacturers for export obtaining all the supplies they want.