§ 4. Mr. SUGDENasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps he is taking to facilitate the delivery of certain dye colours which to the present time have not been manufactured by British firms, and yet are vitally essential in their use by textile manufacturers; if he is aware that large orders are being daily refused because of this handicap; and, considering the export trade in this section of manufactures and its bearing on national finance, if he will expedite measures to remedy the same?
§ Sir A. GEDDESUnder the terms of the Treaty of Peace certain quantities of dyestuffs are to be furnished by Germany as part of reparation, and, in view of urgent requirements in this country, arrangements have been made for supplies of the reparation dyes to be obtained from Germany in advance of the formal ratification of the Treaty. Some have already arrived and will be distributed shortly, and steps are being taken to secure as quickly as possible the further quantities to which the United Kingdom is entitled.
§ Mr. SUGDENWill the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for research work in British laboratories to facilitate the British manufacture of these dyes?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is the policy of the Government. A very large sum of money has been contributed for that purpose.
§ 12. Major M. WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade Whether the dyes consigned to this country from Germany have yet arrived; if so, what quantity has now been distributed to British consumers; and by what agency this has been done?
§ Sir A. GEDDESA quantity of about. 350 tons have actually arrived in this country, and further quantities are on their way. Consumers of dyestuffs have been invited to state their requirements, and these are now being classified. The detailed arrangements as to distribution will be announced shortly.