§ Mr. Parkerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (1) whether he is aware that reclaimed rubber consumed in this country represents only 7 per cent. of crude rubber consumption compared with nearly 38 per cent. in the United States of America; and why steps have not been taken by the Rubber Control to increase this percentage;
(2) whether he is aware that rubber scrap is being exported to the United States of America to be reclaimed and then re-imported; and whether he will take steps to avoid this unnecessary use of shipping space at the present time?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanI am aware that the proportion of reclaim used in the 2087W United States of America is greater than in this country. Requirements in the two countries are not entirely comparable, but steps are being taken to increase the proportion of reclaim used here. Whether the reclaim should be produced entirely here depends upon technical considerations which are under examination.