§ 2. Mr. G. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware t hat members of the engineering trades are complaining that they are now unable to secure supplies of Indian inks previously available; that supplies of ink manufactured in America with dyes purchased from British dye manufacturers are refused import into this country; and that supplies are now lying at the docks 779 and have been for months; and whether he will remove the prohibition at present obtaining on such imports?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have not received any representations regarding Indian ink, which material does not come within the scope of any import prohibition. The import of coloured drawing inks which are synthetic organic dyestuffs, colours or colouring matters, is prohibited under the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920. As to these I have not received any complaints from the engineering trade, and I can hold out no hope of the removal of the restriction. But I shall be glad to make inquiries as to the consignments mentioned by the hon. Member, if he will furnish the particulars necessary to enable them to be identified.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman receive representations, if I bring them to him?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will receive information from the hon. Gentleman and make inquiries, but I can hold out no hopes that I can invite Parliament to repeal the Dyestuffs Act, which has been such a singular success.