HC Deb 18 February 1919 vol 112 c753
109 and 110. Sir NORTON GRIFFITHS

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether it is intended to introduce legislation to protect the incandescent mantle industry and its raw materials; (2) whether, in the interests of the mantle industry, he will take the necessary steps to co-operate with the Indian Government in securing for British firms the manufacture of thorium nitrate from monazite sand?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The question of the precise steps to be taken in respect of the particular industries to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is part of the general question of the policy to be adopted in respect of industries of special importance, which is now receiving the close attention of His Majesty's Government; my right hon. Friend will be glad to co-operate with the Government of India in any measures which may be practicable to secure that adequate supplies from the monazite sand deposits of India are secured to British manufacturers.

Sir J. REES

Is it not the case that the Government of India has arranged for British control of all the monazite deposits in India which are in the native States?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I must ask for notice of that.