HC Deb 15 March 1956 vol 550 c541
20. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider increasing the import duty on manufactured bentonites in order to help the British industry.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

There are procedures whereby interests concerned can apply for changes in protective duties. I have received no application for an increased protective duty on manufactured bentonites.

Lieut. - Colonel Bromley - Davenport

Surely the Minister could help firms in this country by slightly increasing the duty on manufactured bentonite, which is the same as that on non-manufactured bentonite?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If I have an application for increased duty in this regard I shall, of course, examine it in the ordinary way.

Mr. Stokes

Can we know what bentonite is?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It is a substance used for moulds in foundries.