HC Deb 16 November 1916 vol 87 c974
68. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the new British industry of syrolit, used in connection with the making of telephone appliances and the manufacture of buttons, combs, etc.; whether he is aware that syrolit has taken the place of balilith formerly imported from Germany; and whether he can give an assurance that this industry will be protected from being swamped and destroyed after the War by the bounty-fed products of Germany?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I will communicate the hon. and gallant Member's question to the Committee which, as he is aware, is considering the question of commercial policy after the War.

Major HUNT

Would not a promise of this sort be not more than an affirmation of the Paris Resolution which was agreed to by the Prime Minister and the Government?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It may or it may not, but certainly it would be better that the Committee should consider the suggestion.

Major HUNT

Why cannot the Government consider it and give us an answer?