§ Lieut.-Colonel PICKERING asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that America has arranged to import a large quantity of German dye wares; that the country is urgently in need of these dye wares; why the Board of Trade have hitherto informed all inquirers that no German dye wares are available for this country; is it the definite policy of the Government to compel manufacturers to purchase their dye wares from British Dyes, owing to the Government's financial interest in that company; and is he also aware that this company cannot satisfy the requirements of manufacturers in certain dyes, and that the inability to obtain 1694W suitable dyes jeopardises the sale of finished products in neutral markets?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN: I am aware that America has arranged to import a certain quantity of German dyestuffs. There is, no doubt, a demand for German dyestuffs in the United Kingdom, but my hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that the Board of Trade have stated that these goods are not available for this country. Since last December there has been no prohibition of the import of any dyestuffs into this country, and we are securing supplies of dyestuffs from Germany under the Reparation Scheme. Even during the period of prohibition of importation, except under licence, special arrangements were made to secure from Swiss manufacturers dyes which were not available from other sources. As to the relation of the Government to British Dyestuffs Corporation, they are under an obligation to safeguard the dye industry in this country, and for that purpose to control importation. This obligation must be carried out in due course. It is no part of their policy to compel British manufacturers to purchase dyestuffs from any one British firm.