HC Deb 13 June 1939 vol 348 cc1087-8
33. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements, to the knowledge of his Department, exist between the Trafford Chemical Company, the I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G., and the Imperial Chemical Industries; have any licences been granted to any of these companies, and, if so, for what purpose; and, under the joint arrangements, are any Government contracts being carried out?

Mr. Stanley

I am informed that the shares of the Trafford Chemical Company are held by the other two companies mentioned, and that the Trafford Chemical Company, when in operation, will devote itself primarily to the manufacture of certain speciality dyestuffs which have hitherto been imported. I am not aware that any Government contracts with this company are in contemplation. No applications have been made by the company for licences to import dyestuffs, but licences are granted frequently to I.G. Dyestuffs, Limited, and occasionally to Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited.

Mr. Smith

In view of the by-products produced by this industry, and in view of the aggressive intentions of two continental countries, are not arrangements of this character to be deprecated from the point of view of the people of this country?

Mr. Stanley

It seems to me to be of immense advantage to the people of this country that dyestuffs which at the pre sent moment have to be imported should in future be manufactured here.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what form of association exists between the Trafford Chemical Company and I.C.I, and the I. G. Farbenindustrie A.G.?

Mr Stanley

I have already said that the shares of the Trafford Company are held by the other two companies.

Mr. Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any Ministers on the Front Bench are shareholders in those companies?

Mr. R. Gibson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what proportion the shares are held by those two companies?

Mr. Stanley

I.C.I, hold a majority.