§ 14. Lieut-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked 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. ThorneycroftBentonite 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-DavenportIs 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. ThorneycroftI fully accept the efficiency and competence of manufacturers here, but I would point out that this 345 is a useful raw material, used by the steel founders. The producers here have the benefit of a 10 per cent. duty.