§ 82. Major HUNTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that mangrove extract is produced within the British Empire and is used by British tanners, he can say why the Government have prohibited the importation of this article whilst encouraging the importation of quebracho, an article used for the same purpose but produced in South America, outside the Empire?
Sir A. STANLEYThe importation of quebracho as well as of mangrove extract is prohibited except under licence. Licences are granted solely on technical grounds and only for the minimum amount required to produce leather of the quality and in the quantity which are essential at the present time.
§ Major HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dr. Parker, a well-known 1914 chemist in the leather trade, definitely stated in writing that mangrove extract produced a better wearing and a more waterproof leather than quebracho? That being the case, would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government deliberately penalisd an Empire industry and benefited one outside the Empire?
Sir A. STANLEYI have no knowledge of the particular incident mentioned, but the advice of our technical experts is quite the contrary.