HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc524-6W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether his technical departments under Dr. Roffey and Dr. Fox are now responsible for the settling of specifications to be used by the rubber industry?

Sir A. Duncan

The technical department under Dr. Roffey and Dr. Fox gives technical advice, as requested, as to changes in specifications to the departments responsible for the production of stores involving the use of rubber.

Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take immediate steps to extend the use of those rubber substitutes which are recommended by his technical departments as being the best which can be produced from available raw materials?

Sir A. Duncan

Within the limits of available raw material, labour and manufacturing capacity, every step is being taken to extend the use of those rubber substitutes which have been technically approved.

Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will expand the reclaiming industry to produce 50,000 tons per annum, such a figure not to include the manufacture of crumb rubber, which is not a plastic material, and the incorporation of which depends upon the quantity of plastic available in the rubber compound?

Sir A. Duncan

The capacity already arranged for is adequate in relation to requirements and to supplies of scrap available.

Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that there is now effective co-ordination between the Service Departments and the Rubber Control in respect of the setting of specifications and the allocation of raw materials?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied that there is no lack of co-ordination between the purchasing Departments and the Control in these respects.

Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Production whether he has laid down a long-term policy regarding the provision and use of substitutes for rubber, based on the assumption that American synthetic rubber will not be forthcoming in the quantities anticipated?

Mr. Lyttelton

Since the entry of Japan into the war our policy has been to reduce consumption of rubber to a minimum, both by revision of specifications and by increased use of approved substitutes. This policy must be continued until the necessity for it has been overcome.