HC Deb 20 July 1953 vol 518 cc13-5
17. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Materials which materials have been freed from control in the past 12 months;

MEASURES OF DECONTROL TAKEN SINCE 1ST JULY, 1952
(A) Reversion of imports from Government account to private trade
Fertiliser materials … … … July, 1952.
Raw Cotton … … … September, 1952 Private imports re-started on consignment and on behalf of spinners who elect to "opt-out" in preference to buying from Raw Cotton Commission.
Lead … … … October, 1952 Dealings on London Metal Exchange re-started.
Zinc … … … January, 1953 Dealings on London Metal Exchange re-started.
Plywood … … … January, 1953 Reversion completed.
Aluminium … … … July, 1953.
Copper … … … August, 1953 Announcement made in April of reversion to private trade and resumption of dealings on London Metal Exchange as from 5th August. 1953.

to what extent the staff of his Department has been reduced in consequence; and which materials still remain under control.

Sir A. Salter

As the information asked for in the first and third parts of the Question is somewhat detailed, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As regards the second part, as I said just now in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), the staff of my Department on 1st July was 1,018 compared with 1,486 on 1st July last year.

Mr. Hurd

Is my right hon. Friend having discussions with the President of the Board of Trade to see how far there is duplication of effort at the present time, and what economies might be effected by having a Materials Department in the Board of Trade rather than a separate Ministry?

Sir A. Salter

Consultations about the avoidance of overlapping and making economies are continuous, but I cannot say that the specific problem which my hon. Friend has raised is now actively under consideration with the Department.

Following is the information:

(C)Relaxation of control over Acquisition, Use or Disposal
Teak … … … July, 1952 Acquisition, supply, use and consumption freed.
Newsprint … … … August, 1952 Tonnage rationing replaced by new agreement defining average size of newspaper.
Zinc … … … August, 1952 Control over end uses removed.
Jute Goods … … … September, 1952 End use control abolished.
Raw Jute … … … September, 1952 Dealings abroad for delivery outside the United Kingdom freed.
Sisal and other hard hemps (except manila hemp and true hemp). October, 1952 Control of consumption removed.
Used Sleepers … … … December, 1952 Used sleepers and crossing timbers freed from all control.
Sulphur … … … February, 1953 Removal of control of supply and use of Sulphur except Sulphur used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
Softwood boxends … … … April, 1953 End use. Control removed.
Bristles … … … April, 1953 All control removed.
MATERIALS REMAINING SUBJECT TO CONTROL
(× denotes the form of control and form of importation applicable to each item)
Material Form of Control Importation
Acquisition and Supply Consumption and use Price Total government importation Importations under Licence
Softwood … … × × — — ×
Imported Boxboards … … × × — — ×
Certain Hardwoods … × × — — ×
True Hemp … … × × — × —
Manila Hemp … … — × — — ×
Raw Jute and Cuttings … × — — × —
Jute yarn, cloth and unused bags × — — × —
Sulphur … … — × × (ground sulphur) × —
Sulphuric Acid … … × × × — ×
Pyrites … … × — — × —
Magnesium … … × × — × —
Tungsten … … — — — × —
Paper and Board … … × (supply only) × (for newsprint and pool betting)
Woodpulp … … — × — — ×
Esparto … …
Pulpwood … …