asked the Minister of Supply what arrangements he has made to ensure that contractors other than the Royal Ordnance Factories and the Admiralty who are engaged on defence contracts can obtain the extruded brass rods necessary for those contracts; and whether he is satisfied with the efficacy of those arrangements.

All first-line users, including the makers of extruded brass rods, are aware that defence requirements are to be met in full and I have no reason to suppose that they are not complying with the Government's wishes. The British Non-Ferrous Metals Federation have undertaken to look into cases of difficulty which are brought to their notice by the Ministry of Supply and if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I should be glad if he would let me have details.