HC Deb 05 August 1942 vol 382 cc1029-30
50. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Minister of Production, whether he will make a statement on the investigation of substitutes for rubber?

Mr. Lyttelton

Apart from materials generally known as synthetic rubber, about which I made a statement in reply to the hon. Member on 8th July, raw natural rubber can be replaced in par- ticular circumstances by a number of materials of which the most important is reclaimed and crumb rubber, the use of which is being extended, Polyvinyl Chloride which is being used in place of rubber in cables and a variety of materials which can be used instead of rubber for waterproofing. In addition, the rubber available can be made to go further by a suitable use of extenders. Investigation is proceeding into other means of saving rubber.

Mr. Stokes

Can my right hon. Friend say whether arrangements are being made to manufacture the maximum quantity of this substitute rubber over here?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not understand to which substitute the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman making arrangements for the manufacture in quantity of any substitute?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have already answered that question.

Mr. Levy

When my right hon. Friend says "which one," does he realise that there is a rubber substitute made from Budidene and that can be transformed into any end-product, and therefore my hon. Friend opposite is quite right?