§ 68. Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that licences to import special German dyes are withheld on the grounds that such German dyes are available in this country and that such persons requiring licences must purchase these first; and whether he has sanctioned this prohibition?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware that licences are not granted for the importation of German dyestuffs when there are in this country stocks of the same dyestuffs available to the applicants; and I see no reason why licences should be granted in such circumstances.
§ Mr. KILEYIf the user wants that dye, why should he go to anybody else and pay a bigger price than he did before?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEWhen there are plentiful supplies of those dyes already available in this country there is no reason to encourage a further flood of German dyes which are not necessary.
§ Major M. WOODIs the price charged for these dyes produced in this country greater than the price at which they can be obtained from Germany?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThere is a discrepancy in price, and the hon. Member is possibly aware that the high price is charged by Germany for those dyes which cannot be produced in this country.
§ Mr. KILEYWhy should not the manufacturer be able to get his dyes at the cheapest possible price, whether they are made in this country or not?
Sir P.LLOYD-GREAMEBecause, as a very distinguished calico printer pointed out in this House when my hon. Friend tried to repeal the Act, the dye industry is a vital industry to the calico printers and this country.