§ 12. Mr. FENBYasked the President of Board of Trade how many applications were made to the Dye Stuffs Advisory Licensing Committee in 1927; how many were granted; what fees were collected; and what is the cost of the Committee?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe total number of applications for licences during 1927 was 7,407 and that of licences granted was 6,753. The amount received in respect of fees was £3,439, and the cost of the committee (inclusive of allied services) was approximately £3,800.
§ 14. Mr. FENBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that Great Britain is the only country in the world which prohibits the importation of articles treated exclusively with 191 British dyes previously purchased in this country, he will state the reasons continuing this prohibition?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. The Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920, prohibits the importation, except under licence, only of all synthetic organic dyestuffs, colours and colouring matters, and all organic intermediate products used in their manufacture. There is no prohibition on the importation of articles treated by dyestuffs, British or other.
§ 15. Mr. FENBYasked the President of the Board of Trade the reason for refusing to grant licences for the importation of inks manufactured with British dyes in order to comply with the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920, and containing no other ingredients dealt with by that Act; and whether this action is taken on behalf of the British dye Manufacturers or is a, measure of protection for British ink manufacturers?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERSuch inks as aro "synthetic organic dyestuffs, dyes and colouring matters" are, I am advised, wholly covered by the prohibition of importation imposed by the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920. The Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee therefore refuse to recommend the issue of licences under that Act when they are satisfied that suitable inks of the same kind are obtainable in this country.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs ink now, therefore, to be considered as a key industry for the national defence of the country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERA dye slightly diluted with water is, under the Act, a dye, and will continue to be regarded as a dye.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs this for the strategic defence of the country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes; plainly, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman casts his memory back to the vital need of dyestuffs during the War, he will find that, whether in peace or war, it 192 is vital to country to have a dye industry.