§ 2. Mr. FENBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the exemption orders applied for during the past two years under Section 10 (5) of the Finance Act, 1926, in respect of lactic acid of a quality known as pale technical, 50 per cent. by weight, and lactic acid, edible quality, being products liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, have not yet been issued; that the only lactic acid produced in His Majesty's Dominions is a crude dark cloudy quality; that this quality cannot be satisfactorily used in the textiles industry, the artificial silk industry, by manufacturers of light coloured and fancy leathers, and in other important industries; that manufacturers of foodstuffs and soft drinks are bound to use the edible quality; that all these industries have, during the past two years, been compelled to pay more than would otherwise have been the case for these raw materials, which have to be imported; and will he take steps to issue the exemption orders in question forthwith?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERLactic acid which satisfies the requirements of most consumers in this country has been made here for some years past, and I understand that other kinds are now being produced in this country, and will be produced in substantial and increasing quantities. I am, accordingly, not satisfied that the conditions for exemption from duty are fulfilled except in the case of lactic acid complying with the requirements of the British pharmacopoeia, which has already been exempted.