asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that thousands of workers in the Midlands and the industrial North, who, for economic and other reasons, rely on the bicycle as their only means of transport, are unable to obtain accessories or spare parts from cycle dealers or other sources; and whether he will consider re leasing material for the manufacture of these necessary accessories?

Steel has been allocated within the restricted limits imposed by the supply position for the production of spare parts and accessories for bicycles. The hon. Member will appreciate that we cannot afford to make provision for production on a normal scale, but I am not aware of any general shortage. If the hon. Member will furnish me with full details of shortages in any particular district, 1 shall be glad to have them fully investigated.