HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 c1781
22. Mr. Sexton

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total weight and total value of calcium carbide imported into the United Kingdom for each of the last three years?

Mr. Stanley

In 1935, 1,105,000 cwts. of calcium carbide, valued at £606,000, were imported into the United Kingdom; in 1936, 1,112,000 cwts., valued at £613,000; and in 1937, 1,270,000 cwts., valued at £690,000.

Mr. Sexton

Realising that the raw materials for the manufacture of calcium carbide exist in abundance in Durham and South Wales, and that the manpower is there waiting the opportunity to work, are not the Government prepared to do something to set up manufacture in this country?

Mr. Stanley

We have made repeated efforts to set up manufacture in this country, but they have not met with the approval of this House.