§ 18. Mr. John Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if there is a monopoly in the manufacture and supply of chlorine in this country; and how the selling price compares with the price in the U.S.A. of £9 15s. per ton.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe greater proportion of United Kingdom production is by one firm, but there are two other known manufacturers. Factors such as methods of packing and delivery materially affect prices both in this country and in U.S.A., and it is accordingly not possible to make a comparison with the particular price quoted by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LewisCan the Minister say whether the monopoly element which he has disclosed is in any way responsible for the fact that chlorine is very much dearer in this country than in the United States? In view of the fact that this is an essential bi-product for so many important commodities manufactured in this country for domestic use, will he immediately look into this question, in view of the fact that the price of American chlorine is enabling American manufacturers to compete in the export markets much better than ourselves?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have no evidence of the premise which my hon. Friend puts in his question, that chlorine is more expensive here than in America.