asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, with reference to superphosphates (a) the total amount manufactured from materials supplied and shipped by the British authorities; (b) the amount exported to Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and (c) the amount manufactured from materials other than those supplied by Great Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Superphosphates.
The total quantity of superphosphate manufactured to the end of February, 1946, from materials supplied and shipped by the British authorities is approximately 25,000 tons. Licences have been granted for the export of 16,500 tons of this fertiliser to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The balance of the production, 8,500 tons, is retained for use here. The quantity of superphosphate manufactured during the same period from materials other than those supplied by the British authorities amounted to approximately 31,000 tons.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the amount actually manufactured from British materials was less than anticipated?
The actual amount manufactured was less, owing to transport difficulties, as the amount of raw material anticipated did not arrive.