Mr. Titterinģtonasked the President of the Board of Trade what approximate percentage of dyes used in this country came from Germany before the war; what percentage is now produced in this country; whether he is satisfied as to the dependability and quality of these dyes; and whether instructions will be issued to his Public Relations Department to publicise the present satisfactory position with regard to such dyes.
§ Mr. Belcher:It is estimated that approximately 13 per cent. by weight, of the dyestuffs used in the United Kingdom before the war were imported, the proportion from Germany being about nine per cent.; and that at present over 95 per cent. of United Kingdom usage of dyestuffs is from home production.
Users of United Kingdom dyestuffs have expressed appreciation of the range and quality of the British dyes produced during the war. In the normal course of business, dyemakers draw attention to the durability and fastness of their products, and no doubt will continue to do so. I do not think therefore that it is necessary for the Board of Trade to take special measures to publicise the satisfactory quality of home-produced dyestuffs.