British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 816

CHAPTER XVIII.

Taps, cocks and valves.

Glazed earthenware W.C. basins. Furniture, in sets.

Steel cupboards.

Geysers.

Standardised designs have been worked out for the above items by the staff of the Directorate of War Production in consultation and co-operation with manufacturers. Manufacturers offering the most advantageous terms to the public have been selected by departmental tender board after competitive tenders.

77. Windows and frames made from cast duralumin have proved a great success. They are sold at the moderate price of £.3.000 per square metre, which is little more than one third of the price hitherto ruling for timber windows and frames. Because of the scarcity of timber, door frames are manufactured from pressed steel• and are moderate in price. Doors, very largely produced by semi-automatic machinery, are being manufactured u prices approximately 60% less than those ruling on the market prior to the introduction of standardised products.

78. As regards secondary materials for the local manufacture of building supplies the position is as follows :-

(a) Metals and alloys. Brass, copper, mild steel sheets and zinc, especially sheets, are all in very short supply. As regards aluminium, supply of sheets is poor whereas the material for cast items is iu ample supply. Stocks of lead are ample for all local requirements for some considerable time to come. Tin and solder are sufficient for all current demands.

(b) Tinned sheets. Used at present mainly for food containers.

Stocks are not satisfactory. Future supplies seem likely to be restricted for some considerable time.

(c) Rubber. Present stocks are expected to last till April, 1946.

Continuation of production programme beyond this date will depend on early arrival of further consignments of which there is at present no information. The situation regarding material for retreading and repair of tyres is satisfactory.

(d) Chemicals. The supply position of "heavy" chemicals is very satisfactory and no deterioration is anticipated. With the exception of lithopone, titanium-di-oxide, ultramarine, acetic acid and items of minor importance the supply of light chemicals and paint ingredients is fair. Linseed oil stocks are very low but the situation is expected to improve in the near future.

(e) Bitumen. The situation is satisfactory and there is every prospect of early relaxation of control.

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