§ 56. Captain WATERHOUSEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that 20,000,000 artificial teeth are imported annually into this country; and if he has received a request to set up a Committee under the Safeguarding of Industries Act to inquire into the position of this industry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that considerable quantities of artificial teeth are imported, although precise figures of the imports are not available from official sources. With regard to the latter part of the question, I must adhere to the practice that statements as to whether an industry has or has not applied under the safeguarding procedure should not be made except on the appointment of a committee of inquiry.
§ Captain WATERHOUSEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 10,000 men who ought to be employed in this industry, but many of whom are unemployed, and does he not think that it ought properly to come under the category of a key industry? Does he agree with the policy of "British teeth for British mouths"?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is not thus regarded so far, possibly owing to the failure of the Minister of Health to report false teeth as being a key industry in this country.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTECould not these teeth be marked under the Merchandise Marks Bill?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs not effective mastication the fons et origo of all successful business?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if the Labour party and the trade unions pursue their present policy, there will soon be no use for teeth here, false or otherwise?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the foundation of a home industry the raw material, and will the right hon. Gentleman take up the proposal of the hon. Member for Lancaster (Sir G. Strickland) for the introduction of elephants, so that ivory may be produced here?