5.15 p.m.
My Lords, I beg to ask the second question standing in my name.
[The Question was as follows:
To ask His Majesty's Government if they are aware that iron gates have recently been erected at the new headquarters of the Milk Marketing Board and whether, in view of the necessity for conserving the supplies of iron and steel for war purposes, the Government will issue an instruction to all its Departments that such practices must be discontinued.]
My Lords, I am aware that railings and gates have been erected at the new building of the Milk Marketing Board at Thames Ditton. I understand that these form part of a prewar contract and were made some months ago, being regarded as desirable on security grounds. All Departments are now very much alive to the necessity of conserving materials which are in short supply, or are required for war purposes, and strict instructions on this head have been issued.