§ Mr. GRATTAN DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of applications for licences under the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, made during the months of January and February of this year, the number of licences granted, and the average number of days which have elapsed between the receipt of the applications and the grant or refusal of the licences?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe total number of applications for licences during the months of January and February was 1,208. Licences were granted in 822 cases, in 141 cases applicants were referred to available supplies of reparation dyestuffs, in 215 cases licences were refused and the applicants referred to British manufacturers of similar products, and on the 28th February 30 applications were outstanding, of which a number had been received on that day. Of the total number of applications received, 971, or 80 per cent., were dealt with either by the grant or refusal of a licence, or by reference to reparation stocks, within three days, and 1,131, or 94 per cent., within one week.