HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 c465W
Mr. Varley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take urgent action to remedy the shortage of polystyrene in the light of the communication sent to him on 23rd July by the hon. Member for Chesterfield.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The shortage of polystyrene results from a worldwide shortage of the material benzene from which it is derived. United Kingdom production of polystyrene is nevertheless running at a rate about 20 per cent. greater this year than last. The United Kingdom position should become less severe when one of the United Kingdom producers' plants returns to full production.