§ 20. Mr. WALLACEasked what restrictions are at present imposed on the importation of lithopone, and for what reason the restrictions are continued?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe importation of lithopone is prohibited except under licence. As a general rule licences are granted to firms who imported it during the three months preceding the 1st September allowing them to import it now 588 at the same rate as during that period. Licences for importation of further quantities, however, are granted if producers in this country are unable to supply the demand. The restriction is intended to shield this "unstable key industry" from, excessive foreign competition.
§ Mr. WALLACEWhy are these licences so difficult to obtain? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one important firm's business has been almost brought to a standstill on account of the lack of this raw material, and how can manufacturers who are asked to increase our export trade do so under restrictions which make this impossible for want of raw material?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONEWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is lithopone?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am not prepared to enter into a chemical discussion as to the exact formula which represents lithopone, but it has to do with the manufacture of paper. I was not aware that there was any difficulty with regard to getting licences, but if the hon. Gentleman will bring any cases of that kind to my notice I will look into them.
§ Mr. WALLACEUnder these circumstances how can this be described as a key industry?