67. Miss Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will survey the imports under the chemical groups to ascertain those imports for the manufacture of which there is no provision here; and whether he will subsequently consult with the chemical manufacturers as to how far it is practicable to commence manufacture here?
§ Mr. RuncimanMany kinds of chemical products cannot, for natural reasons, be economically produced in this country. I am satisfied that the chemical industry are well aware of the potentialities of this market, and are constantly increasing the range of their products.
Miss WardWill the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the chemical industry whether they can produce any other products here and consider the possibility of manufacturing them?
§ Mr. RuncimanWe are constantly in touch with the chemical industry and interchange information as to what is taking place. We are, of course, prepared to discuss the matter with them.
Miss WardWould it not be a good idea for the right hon. Gentleman to move first, and not wait until the manufacturers come to him?
§ Mr. RuncimanWe move simultaneously.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhat would be the effect on British manufactures if every foreign country took a survey of the goods it does not manufacture and took steps to manufacture them?