asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the present shortage of paraffin wax is preventing British firms from meeting export orders; whether he will state the reasons for this state of affairs; and what action is being taken to remedy it.

Our main sources of supply of paraffin wax are India and Indonesia, and imports from these countries have been reduced owing to serious interruptions in production which occurred in the latter part of last year. This has reduced supplies available in the United Kingdom and applications to export paraffin wax and composition and ceresine waxes consisting mainly of paraffin wax have therefore had to be refused or held in abeyance. My Department is in close touch with importers who are trying to obtain increased supplies from abroad and, when it is clear that adequate supplies of this material will be available to meet the needs of the home market, applications to export will be reconsidered.