§ 67. Mr. J. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the visit recently paid to the U.S.A. by a deputation consisting of representatives of the National Joint Industrial Council for the rubber-manufacturing industry and of the carbon-black importers, arranged after consultation with his Department; and what increase in supplies of this commodity can be expected during the next six months as a result of this visit and other representations made by his Department.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the report made by the Mission which consisted of representatives of the rubber-manufacturing industry and of the carbon black importers. As a result of their discussions with producers 85W in the United States, shipments of carbon black to the United Kingdom will increase from 1st July and possibly earlier. They should be in sufficient quantity to cover the requirements of United Kingdom consumers and allow the gradual accumulation of stocks. I am glad to take this opportunity of thanking the Mission for their valuable work.
§ 68. Mr. J. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that from 1020 until 1946, we spent 68,000,000 dollars on carbon black imported from the U.S.A.; that at the present rate of consumption this would amount to 176,000,000 dollars for a similar period; and what steps he has already taken in order to minimise the expenditure of available dollars on the purchase of this commodity essential for the tyre industry
§ Sir S. CrippsAn Interdepartmental Committee is investigating the possibilities of producing imported types of carbon black in this country.