HC Deb 26 January 1956 vol 548 cc344-5
14. Lieut-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the dollar cost of bentonite imported from the United States of America during 1955.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Bentonite is not separately distinguished in the trade returns, but the dollar cost of imports in 1955 is estimated to be of the order of £150,000.

Lieut-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

Is my right hon. Friend aware that five well-known foundries in this country are all agreed upon the very high quality of British-made standard bentonite? Will he not therefore consider imposing some form of restriction or control—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I said some form of control—in order to help the British manufacturers of bentonite, who did very well for this country during the war?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I fully accept the efficiency and competence of manufacturers here, but I would point out that this is a useful raw material, used by the steel founders. The producers here have the benefit of a 10 per cent. duty.