HC Deb 20 July 1943 vol 391 cc684-5
42. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Production whether he can make a statement on the progress of investigations into the production of synthetic rubber in this country: and whether any proposals have been made to him on the subject by British firms?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Production (Mr. Garro Jones)

The Synthetic Rubber Committee have kept this question under review and a number of proposals for the manufacture of synthetic rubber and various rubber substitutes have been investigated. Substantial supplies of synthetic rubber are expected from the United States. No decision has been made to produce synthetic rubber in bulk in Great Britain, but certain suggestions for production in this country have been communicated to my right hon. Friend by a British firm, who have been asked for further information in regard to these proposals.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not true to say that the British firm referred to in both the Question and the answer have made a firm offer to the Minister of Production that they are ready to instal plant and that all that is required to enable the country to produce synthetic rubber is the consent of the Minister, and why should we not produce it here instead of allowing this important commodity to be produced elsewhere?

Mr. Garro Jones

In regard to the first part of the Supplementary Question, it is perfectly true, I believe, that the firm are confident that they can produce synthetic rubber, but my right hon. Friend must obviously satisfy himself that their confidence is well founded. With regard to the second part of the Question, the answer is that substantial supplies are expected from the United States, and we have good reason to believe that that expectation will not be disappointed.

Mr. Shinwell

If the Minister of Production is not satisfied with the proposal made by the particular firm referred to, will he give his reasons why? Ought we not to know why the Minister objects to the proposal?

Mr. Garro Jones

I have told my hon. Friend that further information has been asked for from the firm concerned, and I have no doubt that in due course, if the firm are not satisfied that their proposals have been properly considered, the matter will even be discussed, if necessary, on the Floor of the House of Commons, but we have certainly not yet reached the time for such a discussion.