§ 46. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Production whether he is aware that the firm of British Celanese have been granted licences for steel, iron and timber in connection with manufacturing plant for producing synthetic rubber in this country, involving both labour and materials which are in short supply, without the scheme having been technically investigated by the Synthetic Rubber Committee, who are experiencing difficulty in using synthetic rubber for truck tyres, without a high proportion of plantation rubber; and why such licences were granted by his Department without scientific assurances that the project was technically sound?
§ The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 3rd December to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. ShinwellHave not demonstrations of the use of synthetic rubber in the United States proved the serviceability of such material, and that it is in considerable use in that country? Is it not desir- 1543 able that the Government should be encouraged to take the initiative in this matter, rather than that they should be impeded?
§ Mr. LytteltonI would like to see that Question on the Paper.