§ 6. Mr. T. SHAWasked the President of the Board of Trade how much money was granted or taken up by the Government as capital for the development of dyestuff production in this country between 1914 and 1924; and what proportion of this sum was invested in the British Dyestuffs Corporation.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe total amount granted and taken up by the Government as capital for the development of dyestuff production in this country between 1914 and 1924 was £2,005,751, of which £1,700,001 was invested in the British Dyestuffs Corporation.
§ 7. Mr. SHAWasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government has sold out its holdings in the British Dyestuffs Corporation; and, if so, for what sum?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Government holding in the British Dye-stuffs Corporation was disposed of in March, 1926, for the sum of £600,000.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe investment was made when the hon. Gentleman's late party was in office.
§ 8. Mr. SHAWasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information as to whether the combination arrived at between German and British dyestuffs producers delimits areas of sale, arranges certain quota quantities, or regulates prices?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not aware of any combination or agreement between German and British dye makers.
§ Mr. SHAWDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he does not know anything about any arrangement?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, I am not aware of any such arrangement or agreement with Germany.
§ Mr. HARRISIf there were any such arrangement, would the Government be prepared to reconsider their decision in reference to the protection of the dye industry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat is a hypothetical question, but, there being no such arrangement, it obviously does not arise.