§ 53. Mr. Petherickasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the approximate stocks of calcium carbide at present held in this country; how long these stocks would last at the present rate of consumption; and whether the Government will lay in stocks for defensive purposes?
§ 54 and 65. Mr. Maclayasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (r) whether he has under consideration any plans for the manufacture of carbide in this country; and, if not, whether he proposes to initiate any inquiry regarding this question;
(2) whether, when the problem of the manufacture of carbide is being discussed by the Government, he will take adequate precautions to see that the merits of the Highlands of Scotland as a suitable locality for such a purpose are given full consideration?
§ 56. Mr. Petherickasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what action the Government intend to take in order to promote the production of calcium carbide in Great Britain?
57. Marquess of Clydesdaleasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether steps will be taken before the Easter Recess to implement the pledge that the Government will forthwith take up the question how best this country should be provided with a supply of carbide and where this supply should be produced?
§ Sir T. InskipIn pursuance of the statement made in this House on the 10th instant by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, I am now taking steps, in consultation with other Ministers concerned, to set up a small committee, composed of persons not in the Government service, to advise the Government how best the country can be provided with a supply of calcium carbide and allied products and where best that supply can be produced.
§ Mr. MaclayWill the Minister bear in mind that there are very few industries for which the Highlands of Scotland are a suitable locality, and that this carbide industry is one of the few, and that if it came to the Highlands it might do something to ease the local problem of poverty and depopulation, which is arousing anxiety in Scotland?
§ Sir T. InskipI can assure my hon. Friend that the needs or the claims of Scotland will not be lost sight of when this question is fully examined.
§ Mr. PetherickWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask 2065 whether it will be competent for the committee to consider the imposition of a duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, by which a firm, if such can be found willing to set up a carbide factory in a coal area would be able to do so with safety?
§ Sir T. InskipThe terms of reference which I propose will enable all aspects of this question to be considered by the committee.
Marquess of ClydesdaleWill the Minister give an assurance that the committee will be prepared to examine carefully all evidence for and against setting up the industry in the Highlands?
§ Sir T. InskipI am sure that the committee will be very anxious to receive all evidence as to the best place in which that industry can be established.