§ 5. Mr. KINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that many herbs, trees, and mosses are the basis of excellent dyes, and that these vegetable dyes produce fast colours superior to any aniline or other chemical manufactures; and whether he has considered the possibility of collecting these dye materials throughout the country with a view to their being turned by treatment at some central works into dyes capable of use in the textile industries?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)I am advised that none of the plants capable of producing a substitute for aniline dyes can be profitably cultivated in this country.
§ Sir H. VERNEYThey need picking.
§ Mr. KINGCould not children, who might otherwise get into mischief, pick them at remunerative rates?
§ Sir H. VERNEYIf my hon. Friend will organise and is prepared to lose money on this industry, the Board will watch the experiment with much interest.