§ 51. Mr. Hannahasked the Minister of Production why, as we have a surplus of rubber in the country, long-distance road-transport contractors are compelled to purchase part-worn, retread and other unserviceable tyres?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe supplies of natural rubber in the British Empire must be shared with our Allies, and the needs of the United Nations require that economy in the use of rubber should not be relaxed. Road transport contractors are not required to use part-worn and retreaded tyres which are unserviceable.
§ Sir Edward CampbellCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is a fact, as stated in the Question, that there is a surplus of rubber?
§ Mr. LytteltonIf we were waging the war alone our supplies of indigenous rubber in the British Empire are more than sufficient to meet our own requirements, and there is a substantial exportable surplus, which is sent to the United States.