Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that applicants for licences to import dyes not made in the United Kingdom, are continually being referred to British makers, who admit they do not make the exact dye required but offer some substitute which the consumers state is quite unsuitable; and on what ground the Dyestuff Advisory Licensing Committee refuse to grant import licences?
§ Mr. BALDWINIt is the practice of the Committee to refer applicants for import licences to British makers whenever there isprimâ facie evidence that the latter are in a position to supply dyestuffs identical with or equivalent to those to which the applications relate. If it appears, however, that the supplies offered by British makers are not suitable for a particular consumer's requirements, licence is granted.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware 79W that printed lists of German reparation dyes held by the Government are issued to one particular organisation of consumers; if this is so, in view of the fact that the cost of such lists is paid for out of receipts for such dyes and is therefore public money, will he take the necessary steps to see that the issue of such lists be made general to all applicants; and will he undertake that detailed monthly lists of all licences to import dyes are made public?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe list mentioned in the first part of the question is printed by the organisation to which reference is made by the hon. Member for the convenience of its members and at its own cost. The, second part of the question therefore does not arise. As regards the last part, the cost of issuing such lists would not be justified.
TABLE. Imports (by value) into the United Kingdom, consigned from Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, registered during each of the years 1913, 1920 and 1921, distinguishing imports of "Raw Materials and articles mainly unmanufactured" and imports of "Articles wholly or mainly manufactured" so far as the particulars are available. Description. From Switzerland. From Sweden. From Norway. Total Imports:— £ £ £ 1913 … … … … … 11,070,000 14,213,000 7,437,000 1920 … … … … … 36,996,000 56,468,000 23,819,000 1921 … … … … … 19,964,000 21,626,000 10,326,000 Raw materials and articles mainly unmanufactured: 1913 … … … … … 52,000 7,431,000 3,765,000 1920 … … … … … 343,000 40,113,000 14,315,000 1921 … … … … … * * * Articles wholly or mainly manufactured:— 1913 … … … … … 9,212,000 4,118,000 2,197,000 1920 … … … … … 33,099,000 15,796,000 7,740,000 1921 … … … … … * * * * Particulars not yet available.