§ Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Labour the numbers of men and women, respectively, at the most recent convenient date, unemployed in the city of Lincoln, showing their trades ; and how the numbers compare with those for the same date in 1954 and 1955.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe following table gives the information desired :
Rochester and Chatham (Mr. Bottomley) on 13th December, 1955, is to allow our manufacturers a free choice of materials so far as the balance of payments permits. The restrictions on imports of synthetic rubber are imposed for balance of payments reasons and cannot be used for protective purposes. The proportion of synthetic rubber used in this country is still below that of our major competitors in export markets but it is increasing.
The Government of Malaya, who were consulted in advance, expressed the views that the programme should not be increased beyond the level for 1956. The arguments they advanced were fully considered before a decision was taken. Representations which have been received subsequently from the Rubber Producers Council of Malaya have not, in Her Majesty's Government's view, added any further arguments which would justify reconsidering their decision.