HC Deb 22 July 1942 vol 382 cc30-1
43. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of production whether the shortage of coal now makes it impossible to manufacture synthetic rubber; and what steps are being taken to make good our deficiency of crude rubber?

The Minister o£ Production (Mr. Lyttelton)

The effect on coal supplies is one of the factors affecting large-scale production of synthetic rubber in this country. It is not necessarily a decisive factor. Every effort is being made to stimulate the supply of natural rubber from sources still open to us, and, as I informed the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. I. Thomas) on 8th July, representatives of the Ministry of Supply are now attending a conference in the U.S.A. which is investigating the possibility of accelerating synthetic rubber production there.

Mr. Parker

In view of the shipping situation, it would surely be to our advantage to manufacture synthetic rubber here, rather than to get supplies from the United States, where they take their own requirements first?

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that all the necessary coal can be obtained by opencast mining?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is not so simple as that. We have first to provide the necessary materials and labour to set up the plant.

Mr. I. Thomas

If the right hon. Gentleman were convinced that the war was going to last more than 12 months, would he think it worth while to begin this work?

44. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Production whether, in view of the grave disquiet as to the position of the rubber industry, he will hold a full investigation into its affairs, with a view to making any changes found to be necessary?

Mr. Lyttelton

The rubber industry is, of course, seriously affected by the decline in supplies of its raw material and every means for increasing those supplies is being pursued in co-operation with the authorities in the U.S.A. The rubber supply is one of my responsibilities, and the position is being closely watched from day to day by my officers. I see no need for any independent inquiry.

Mr. Parker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of disquiet about the way in which the industry is being run, and a good deal of feeling that the interests of the growers of rubber in the East Indies have been put before the interests of this country?

Mr. Maxton

Is it not the case that synthetic rubber is a better commodity for all the purposes for which rubber is used, and that it is more economical than the natural product?

Mr. Lyttelton

I believe that in some respects it is superior to the natural product, and in others not.