§ 8. Mr. EVELYN CECILasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the rapid increase in the imports of dye-stuffs into this country during the last few months; whether they come in great part from Germany; and whether, having regard to the experience of the War and the importance of establishing a largely independent British industry of dyes and allied substances on grounds both of trade and national defence, His Majesty's Government will take further steps to safeguard its growth?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am aware that the imports of dye-stuffs and intermediates into this country have increased very substantially during the last few months, and that a large proportion of these imports have been from Germany, though I must point out that these include a considerable quantity received from that country under the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer 7 my right hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Royton on the 20th July last, to the effect that in the opinion of the Government, the existence of a strong synthetic dye making industry is essential to the defence and security of the United Kingdom, and that in pursuance of the pledges given on several occasions, proposals to protect the industry for a time, so as to enable it to be placed on a secure foundation, will be embodied in a Bill relating to key industries, which will be introduced and proceeded with as soon as possible.
§ Mr. SHORTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no reduction in the cost of living despite all these importations?
§ Sir W. PEARCEIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the progress of British Dyes, in which undertaking the British Government have a large interest?
§ Sir R. HORNEI think it is too large a question to ask in a general form whether I am satisfied with the progress. One ought never to be satisfied with any stage of progress.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWhen will a Bill for the preservation of key industries be introduced?
§ Sir R. HORNEAs soon as possible.
The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. DOYLE.—
12. To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the position of the British Dyes Corporation owing to the increasing and unrestricted importation of German dyes; what amount of Government and public funds, respectively, are invested in the undertaking; whether a guarantee was given that this key industry would be protected; and whether an agreed Bill will be introduced forthwith to safeguard this national asset?
Mr. DOYLEOn a point of Order. Ought not this question to be addressed to the Prime Minister as it involves a question of policy I May I ask if the President of the Board of Trade is prepared to reply?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am prepared to reply to the question. I am informed that the subscribed capital of the British Dye Stuffs Corporation is £4,119,003 in preference shares of £1 each, £4,089,811 in preferred ordinary shares of £1 each, and £993,270 in deferred ordinary shares of £1 each. Of this, £850,001 preference shares and £850,000 preferred ordinary shares have been subscribed for by His Majesty's Government. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer my Hon. Friend to the answer which I have given earlier to my right hon. Friend the member for Aston (Mr. E. Cecil).
Mr. DOYLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the 15th May, 1918, the President of the Board of Trade stated that the importation of all foreign dye-stuffs should be controlled by a system of licence for a period of not less than ten years after the War? That declaration was repeated by the President of the Board of Trade on 25th July, 1918, only more emphatically, and again on the 26th February; and, in view of that fact—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member ought to give the Minister some opportunity of verifying those quotations.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTAre these licenses, as promised, in force at the present time?
§ Sir R. HORNENot yet.
Mr. DOYLEIn view of the serious condition of this national asset, the British dyes industry, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to introduce a Bill dealing specially with it?
§ Sir R. HORNEI think it would be a great mistake to deal with only one industry. There are many others, also key industries, to be dealt with. I should prefer, and I am sure the House will find it more convenient, to deal with them altogether.
Mr. DOYLEAre the other key industries to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, in as serious a condition, owing to the competition of foreign countries to which I refer?
§ Sir R. HORNESome of them more serious.