HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 cc1210-1
48. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Production whether he has considered a letter from the firm of Messrs. F. McNeil and Company in connection with the substitute product for which the Cork Insulation Company, a subsidiary of the Vestey monopoly, has been given permission to build a factory; if he is aware that this firm claims that the established manufacturers can, and would, produce all the substitute material necessary to meet the Government's requirements; and what answer has he made to this firm?

The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)

This Company has been informed that the Cork Insulation and Asbestos Company were allowed to acquire building material to adapt a plant to produce this substitute product at a time when there was a large prospective deficit in supplies of material of this kind. The new undertaking, which used comparatively little material and labour for construction, is now in operation. As I think the hon. Member knows, I recently explained the position fully to a deputation of members representing Durham constituencies.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that this huge monopoly, Vestey's, is getting power to make a substitute so that it can control it and keep its production sufficiently down after the wax in order to protect its own big interests in the original; and is it not a scandal that the Government should have given, this licence when there was no need for giving it to Vestey?

Mr. Lyttelton

I cannot answer hypothetical questions of that nature.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is the Minister of Production satisfied that there are not already in this country a sufficient number of firms to do all the insulating work that is necessary?

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter again and within the next 80 days.