7. Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the amount of capital employed in this country in the manufacture of optical glass; the number of firms so engaged; the percentage of profit they have disbursed since the Armistice; and what subsidies, if any, they have received since August, 1914?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThere are now three companies who are manufacturers of optical glass. Precise figures as to the amount of capital invested in the industry are not available, as in two of the three cases the manufacture has been carried on as part only of the operations of the company concerned. It is estimated, however, that during the War the capital employed in the industry was rather more than £150,000. I understand that no profits have been made on the manufacture of optical glass since the Armistice, but, on the contrary, loss has been incurred. Financial assistance to the amount of approximately £78,000 has been given to the industry since August, 1914.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILIs that by the Government?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEYes.