Mr. Vyvyan Adams:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now take steps to improve the supply of batteries for electric torches?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given on 16th November to the hon. Member for Central Hull (Mr. Windsor) and on 22nd November to the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson). I am arranging for the position to be reviewed in consultation with the manufacturers.

Mr. Adams:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we are now entering the darkest period of the year; is he further aware that the supply of batteries is considerably less than the demand, and is he also aware that the black-out is one of the most vexatious features of the present restrictions?

I will not discuss the relative vexatiousness of the black-out or the comparative vexatiousness that would result from not having it; but with regard to torches, I realise that the supply is not equal to the enormously increased demand of the last two or three months. It is that subject which I am now discussing with the industry, but the House will realise that one cannot in a minute meet such an increased demand.

Mr. Adams:

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that there is plenty of evidence that the most vexatious feature of the present restrictions is the blackout, which is most widely felt by the general population?