§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the resentment felt by independent British importers of chemicals into Palestine at the recent order imposed by the Palestine Government requiring all importers to send shipping documents through Imperial Chemical Industries (Levant), Limited; why has this advantage been given to this firm; and whether he will reconsider the present position, in view of the damage likely to be caused in this way to the business of other importers?
§ Colonel StanleyThe purpose of the Order to which my hon. Friend refers was to ensure that sufficient, and not more than sufficient, chemicals are imported into Palestine. At this stage in the war the trade in scarce commodities must be 1579W controlled and in very technical matters of this kind Governments cannot exercise control without expert advice and assistance. In its original form the Order was admittedly open to the objection that it might enforce the disclosure of trade secrets to rival firms, and modifications have been introduced which will, it is hoped, remove this objection. It will be understood that I.C.I. (Levant) are not sole importers but only sole consignees of these goods.