The following questions stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. KELLY:141980 and 81. To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that the dyers in Lancashire are threatened with litigation if they do as the officials of the Board of Trade direct and use, the British-made naphthol products; and will he give the necessary cover against litigation if these dyers do as directed by the officials;(2) if he is aware that dyers in Lancashire are prevented from getting licences to import naphthol A S and S W, thus causing this comparatively new trade to be handed over to Holland and other Continental dyers, and causing unemployment to the workers in this country; and if he will grant these licences to dyers in this Country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I am going to answer both together. In accordance with the general policy adopted by the Licensing Committee under the Dyestuffs (Import Regulations) Act, licences are not being granted for the importation of Naphthol A S and S W, since adequate equivalents are made in this country. I understand that a German company claiming to own certain patent rights in respect of the process by which dyestuffs of this kind are utilised, is asking royalties from the users of the British equivalents. The whole matter is now under consideration, but, in the meantime, I have no reason to think that any consequences of the kind suggested by the hon. Member are being experienced.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to assure these employers and manufacturers that there will be no consequences through action at law if they take the advice of the Board of Trade?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI am afraid I cannot answer that question.
§ Mr. KELLYMay I ask why the hon. Gentleman insists upon these manufacturers using naphthol which may bring them into the hands of the law?