HC Deb 19 March 1928 vol 215 cc20-1
35. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of companies registered as engaged in the artificial silk industry?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Herbert Williams)

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. KELLY

What are the statements made by the Department with regard to artificial silk based upon, when the hon. Member cannot tell us the number of companies in the country, although that information could be supplied by many hon. Members within the sound of my voice?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Artificial silk is subject to Excise Duty, and consequently there is full information as to the quantity of artificial silk produced in this country.

Sir H. CROFT

Is it not a fact that 15 companies against one are being or have been established during the last three years?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I am afraid that I have not the exact figures in my mind.

Sir H. CROFT

Has it not been stated by the great Dutch expert who is erecting a factory in this country?

Mr. SKELTON

Is it really the case that the Board of Trade have no tabular statistics as to the number and type of companies in this country?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The task of classifying and analysing the register of companies is an almost impossible one, except at great expense.

Mr. SANDEMAN

Is it not a fact that a great many companies which are registered for other purposes use artificial silk as one of their raw materials, and therefore it is impossible to get statistics with regard to them?

Mr. KELLY

As the question does not ask for information regarding companies other than artificial silk companies, will the hon. Member endeavour to obtain this information?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I am afraid I cannot ask the Registrar-General at Somerset House to go through many thousands of companies to prepare an answer to this question?

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Has the safeguarding of industries any bearing on this question?