Zinc Cut and the Motor industry
Page 58
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EFFECTS on the motor industry of La the restrictions in the supplies of zinc and brass may not be as severe as may have been feared. The main shortage is likely to be in brass.
Most of Britain's zinc supplies come from Australia, which is not cutting its exports. Supplies from the U.S.A. and Belgium, however, have been curtailed, and, the restrictions, announced by the GOvernment last week, on the use of • zinc, amount to about 40 per cent. 'of the previous consumption.
Based on the assumption that the shortage of zinc will continue beyond the first quarter of this year, a monthly allocation system is to be introduced. Supplies of high-purity zinc for die casting will be restricted to 85.per cent. of the average. monthly rate:of consumption during the first nine :months of 1950. 'Supplies for galvanizing and brass manufacture will also be tut.
The output of components, such . as carburetters, fuel-lift pumps,. 'radiators and electrical equipment seems likely to he affected,' but Mr. G. R. Strauss, Minister of Supply, has stated that the -Government's policy is not only to assure adequate supplies for rea'rmament,. but also for .industrial equipment and -valuable export products, such as vehicles-. • _ Until the 'effect 'of the restrietiOns upon. vehicle • output can' be 'judged, by 'results, no decision can be made on the allotafion. Of •"-VehieJes the:lion-le market,. a Ministry of Supply, spokesman tepid • " The Commercial 'Motor."
Production:of vehicles for apart is unlikely to be affected by the restrictions, Mr. R. F. flanks, vice-chairman of the Nuffield Organisation, has said.