§ 60 and 61. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (1) what steps are being taken, and in prospect, for the manufacture of synthetic rubber; and what in general is the crude rubber, rubber waste and synthetic rubber position in this country to-day;
(2) whether he will publish the names of the reconstituted Rubber Control Board, with their credentials for the work, and direct their attention to the fact that it has been the studied policy of the new tyre interests to encourage waste and destruction of tyres by every commercial means; what steps are being taken to prevent this and also to make proper use of waste rubber and synthetic rubber?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanThe question of the manufacture of synthetic rubber in Great Britain is being considered in relation to the general question of Inter-Ally supply. It would not be in the public interest to give particulars of our supplies of rubber. Every possible step is being taken to economise in the consumption of rubber in tyres and other manufactures and to make use of the 354 available supplies of waste. I will circulate particulars of the composition of the Rubber Control Board in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIf the position with regard to crude rubber and rubber generally is satisfactory, would it not be very much better to give very full particulars about it?
§ Mr. MacmillanMy hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I woud not wish to publish the stocks.
§ Following are the particulars:
§ The Rubber Control Board, which acts in an advisory capacity to the Ministry of Supply, consists of the following:
- Sir George Beharrell (Chairman)—Rubber manufacturer.
- Mr. L. W. Farrow (Deputy-Chairman)—Chartered Accountant and company director.
- Sir Walrond Sinclair—Rubber manufacturer.
- Mr. J. F. Milne—Rubber grower.
- Mr. R. S. Thompson—Rubber broker.
- Mr. J. Bennett—Rubber dealer.
- Mr. W. G. Essex—Rubber reclaimer.