§ Mr. BARNES(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the exportation of raw material for the manufacture of bleaching powder or to the fact that contracts for its supply to manufacturers have been cancelled by chemical manufacturers on the plea of its being commandeered by the Government; will he look into the matter with a view to lessening or stopping export if, as is alleged, the scarcity is causing stoppage of industry dependent upon its supply?
Mr. RUNCIMANWhile there appears to be some shortage in the supplies of bleaching powder which has led to complaints from paper makers, no evidence has reached me that other classes of consumers have been seriously inconvenienced or that the difficulties in obtaining supplies which have been experienced owing to labour troubles, transport delays and Government requirements, have necessitated the closing down of any works even for a short time. I am informed that contract customers are being supplied by makers. On the whole, I do not think that, so far as trade requirements are concerned, there is at present any justification for a restriction of the export of this chemical.