§ 9. Sir W. Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the importance of Britain's export trade and of the housing problem, he will give a clear indication of His Majesty's Government's policy with regard to the purchase of raw materials in the paint industry.
§ Mr. BelcherThe policy is to secure that the raw material needs of the paint industry shall be met to the greatest possible extent, having regard to the availability of supplies and the needs of other industries.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that the uncertainty which has been caused to the industry by the policy of the Government is holding up much necessary work which has been waiting to be done for six years?
§ Mr. BelcherI have done my utmost during the last two or three weeks to give the fullest possible information to the paint industry, but the industry is dependent very largely on a raw material which is in short supply throughout the world.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhat help has the Minister given to the people in the industry to get on with the job?